MEPS block security services on terror messages

THE Government has been dealt a blow by the EU in its attempt to force Whatsapp and other technology firms to hand over terror suspects’ encrypted messages.

MEPS have tabled laws banning countries from breaking the protection that prevents security services from reading messages sent via Whatsapp.

The plans would also force tech companies that do not currently apply encryption to messages to do so.

The proposals would be a major setback to Theresa May’s promise that terrorists should have no “safe space” to conspire online, and they threaten existing legislation that forces firms to remove encryption where possible.

MEPS on the European Parliament’s civil liberties committee tabled the amendments to draft privacy laws, and they will have to be approved by MEPS and scrutinised by the EU Council.

It remains unclear how the laws will apply in the UK after Brexit.