Terror laws ‘no magic solution’

TERRORISTS’ use of messaging services with powerful encryption cannot be tackled by new laws, a former spy chief has warned.

Robert Hannigan, head of the UK Government’s GCHQ listening station until earlier this year, said legislation would not provide a “magic solution”.

Controversy over technology companies’ responsibilities to support authorities in the fight against terrorism has intensified after Britain was hit by a flurry of deadly attacks.

Mr Hannigan said: “I can’t see, particularly as many of these companies are US-based, that legislation is the answer. I don’t think there is a magic solution.”