European police forces oppose end-to-end encryption

Europol and national police forces across Europe have come out against end-to-end encryption, saying they fear extensive privacy protections could enable criminals to operate freely.

In a joint statement released on Sunday, they criticised the extensive privacy measures that tech companies such as Meta are implementing for their messaging services.

"We will no longer be able to guarantee public safety"

End-to-end encryption prevents these companies from accessing communications between users. As a result, police forces will be unable to obtain evidence from tech companies when investigating serious crimes such as child abuse, human trafficking, drug trafficking, murder, financial crime and terrorism.

"We will no longer be able to guarantee public safety," the statement said. "Never before have our societies tolerated spaces that are beyond law enforcement, allowing criminals to communicate safely and child abuse to flourish."

"Tech companies have a social responsibility in developing a safer environment where law enforcement and justice can do their job”

The police want tech companies to retain the ability to detect and report illegal activity. They want authorities to ensure that police can obtain information "to ensure public safety".

"To ensure the safety of our society and citizens, we must secure this digital environment and detect and signal illegal activity," said Europol head Catherine De Bolle. "Tech companies have a social responsibility in developing a safer environment where law enforcement and justice can do their job,” she said.

^{© PHOTO ANP / HOLLANDSE HOOGTE / JAAP ARRIENS}