WhatsApp promises not to let any government scan your messages

A debate rages between WhatsApp and child protection associations. In the line of sight, a technology called EE2E (End to end encryption). This system used by the American firm makes it possible to secure your communications, making the data indecipherable by a third party.

End-to-end encryption that makes it impossible for your internet service provider, the government or any related entity to read your messages. Security for your data, of course, but also a lack of control highlighted by certain associations which add that direct messages represent ” the first line of attack in cyber pedocrime. A standoff has begun between the two parties.

Better control to protect the youngest

This question was raised by the EU during the European Commission dated May 11, 2022. Discussion which displayed alarming figures: 85 million photos and videos of a pedophile nature would have circulated in the world in 2021. An increase of 64% compared to previous years.

Measures are being studied, of course relayed by certain American associations which denounce companies like WhatsApp. These clear-cut positions prompted Will Cathcart, head of the instant messaging service, to react: “ There are some very effective techniques that haven’t been adopted by the industry that don’t require us to sacrifice everyone’s safety. “, did he declare. ” We report (these risky behaviors) more than almost any other internet service in the world “, showing all the same a desire for moderation on its platform.

Also remember that the last measure put in place by Apple to counter these excesses ended in failure. It was a question of going through the photos of iPhone holders with a fine-tooth comb before they were transferred to iCloud, in order to find images with abusive content. In this regard, Alan Woodward, professor at the University of Surrey, told BBC News : “ Of course, if you say: “Do you think children should be protected?”, everyone will say “Yes”. But if you then say to someone, “Okay, I’m going to put something on your phone that will scan each of your images and compare it to the database,” then suddenly you start to realize what that entails. »

Regulations that are complicated to implement

WhatsApp is not the only application to use this type of encryption, Signal and Telegram are also followers of EE2E. For good reason, this “security” during conversations is sought after by a large number of users, some even choosing these applications for this very specific feature.

We therefore understand better why, in the face of these remarks, Will Cathcart replies: “ If we were to reduce security (of our conversations) worldwide to meet the requirements of a single country, it would be a mistake on our part, making our product less appealing to 98% of our users due to the requirements of 2% of them. »

An answer that makes the NSPCC association cringe (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, organization fighting against child abuse in the UK), adding that “ it is increasingly clear that child safety and adult privacy do not have to be pitted against each other. We want a discussion on what balanced regulation can look like “. A subject that has not finished making ink flow.

To find the whole of this fascinating debate, do not hesitate to listen to the BBC podcast The battle over encrypted message.

Sources: BBC, European Commission