During a recent visit to London, Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp at Meta, expressed concern over the potential impact of the UK’s proposed Online Safety Bill on the company’s encrypted messaging system.
In a meeting with local politicians and regulators, Cathcart stated that if the legislation required Meta to weaken its security measures, he would cease providing services in the UK. Cathcart went on to describe the Online Safety Bill as “the most concerning piece of legislation” in the western world and reiterated that Meta’s messaging app would not comply with any requirements to ban end-to-end encryption or compromise user privacy.
End-to-end encryption is a vital tool for maintaining the confidentiality of messages between sender and recipient. If the UK government were to force Meta to terminate E2EE, it would be impossible for WhatsApp to comply.
Cathcart argued that the vast majority of WhatsApp’s users (98%) reside outside the UK and prioritize security over convenience. He also pointed out that the Online Safety Bill would give regulators unprecedented access to user data, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
More clarity needed on Online Safety Bill Legislation
Under the proposed legislation, the UK regulator Ofcom would have the power to require apps to use “accredited technology” to identify potential terrorist or child abuse materials. This requirement is widely viewed as intrusive and incompatible with the principles of end-to-end encryption. Cathcart called for greater clarity in the language of the Bill, noting that there are many “grey areas” that require further examination.
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