UK Urges Meta To Stop End-to-End Encryption Launch

JAKARTA - The UK urged Meta platforms not to roll out end-to-end encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without implementing security measures to protect children from harassment cases.

British Interior Minister, Suella Braverman, said she strongly supports strong encryption like Meta is doing. However, he did not agree if this encryption sacrificed the safety of children.

"They have to develop the right protection to sit next to their plans for encryption-to-end," Braverman said, quoted by Reuters.

Braverman also mentioned the Online Security Act which was recently approved by parliament. With this law, Meta must take appropriate action in stopping child abuse by not scanning encrypted messages.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Meta stated that in reality, most Britons rely on apps that use encryption to keep security from hacking and fraud.

Therefore, Meta has continued to develop this encryption system for the past five years while maintaining online security. However, to avoid the problem of abuse in children through encryption-to-end which once protects its users, Meta plans to issue special regulations.

This regulation will be updated by restricting people over the age of 19 from being able to send messages to teenagers who do not recognize them. In addition, Meta will also use technology to identify and take action when aware of malicious behavior.

"While we are rolling out encryption-to-end, we look forward to continuing to provide more reports to law enforcement than our colleagues as our industrial work keeps people safe," the spokesperson said.