Access to encrypted messaging apps

Consider the state of the world

N ormally, I would not want others accessing encrypted messages, because personal communication should not be watched. But seeing the state of the world, with global terror incidents, and the recent attacks in the UK and Russia, threats to security must be considered. But the messages should be monitored and should not be leaked. The safety of countries is important. From Mr K. Ragavan Bengaluru, India

Just ask

I do not agree with giving away my private information. If there is any threat of terror anywhere in the world, global authorities could simply request network providers to decrypt suspicious messages. Why do security agencies want access to all messaging apps? From Mr Mohammad Anas Dubai

Totally disagree

I don’t agree with government agencies getting access to satellite communications without people’s permission. From Mr Riaz Ahmad Chohan Karachi, Pakistan

Do you mind?

P eople with seemingly suspicious intentions would have an issue, regarding others seeing their exchange of information on messaging apps. I have no issues with anyone tracking my messages for the good of the society. I believe that all individuals with clean, objective and impartial intentions wouldn’t mind either. From Mr M. Manmeet Sharjah

Let them check

T errorism was occurring even before the advent of social media. I think it serves us well if the government monitors lawbreakers’ exchange of messages, for security reasons. If there is a legitimate reason, why would any innocent person have any problem with this, as long as their privacy is not compromised? From Ms Mahnaaz Shaikh Goa, India

Slippery slope

T he US is proposing to pass a bill to sell people’s browsing history to corporations without their consent, and now, the UK is trying this in a different way. Bit by bit, they want to snatch away people’s freedom, keep an eye on consumers and use their information to control them. This is a very slippery slope. Imagine how people’s information could be used negatively by politicians and big corporations, to manipulate or propagate their own agenda against the populace! Their biggest excuse is terrorism. I think that is how today’s politicians are ignoring, rejecting or stripping away people’s existing rights and freedoms, and dividing them on the basis of fear. Besides, this may not substantially help reduce terrorism, because there are other ways criminals can figure out a form of communication. They do not think rationally, like most of us.

I would like to know if allowing government agencies access, could prevent conspiracies and plans from taking place. If yes, then what would be its success rate? Do we think terrorists are dumb? Would they not have access to or create any other means to communicate or plot a terror attack? Have we ever thought how this could be mismanaged or mishandled, knowingly or unknowingly? Encrypted messages can be used for other, more sinister purposes, too. From Mr Farhaan Mohammad UAE

As long as we are safe

Y es, I would allow government agencies access, because the security of the public is more important than anything else, today. However, global governments must focus on protecting the privacy of their citizens. From Mr Farman Khan Kohat, Pakistan

No problem

I do not have any problem with this, as long as it is purely for security reasons. From Mr Mustafa Ahmad Abu Dhabi

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