WhatsApp May Leave UK Over Proposed Online Safety Bill, Warns Think Tank Founder
(MENAFN) Claire Fox, founder of the think tank Institute of Ideas, has warned UK ministers that WhatsApp and other messaging services could potentially leave the country if the government moves ahead with the Online Safety Bill. The controversial legislation aims to improve internet safety, but Fox argues that big tech companies will not compromise on user safety for billions of users around the world. She states that the UK represents a relatively small market and that the pressure to scan communications could risk driving global platforms away.
Meta's instant messaging app, WhatsApp, is at the center of a nationwide debate over user safety and privacy concerns that could result in the service deciding to leave the British market. Last month, WhatsApp, Signal, and five other messaging services criticized the government's proposed Online Safety Bill in an open letter. They expressed concern that the bill could kill end-to-end encryption, leading to routine, general, and indiscriminate surveillance of personal messages.
The proposed legislation would authorize the British communications regulator, Ofcom, to require social networks to use technology to combat terrorism or child sexual abuse content. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to 10 percent of global revenue for the services in question. The government has stated that companies like Meta must use best endeavors to develop or source technology that adheres to the regulation.
The warnings from Fox and the messaging services highlight the potential consequences of the Online Safety Bill. While the legislation aims to improve internet safety, critics argue that it could compromise user privacy and drive away global platforms. The debate over user safety and privacy is ongoing, and the government will need to carefully consider the implications of the proposed legislation before moving ahead with it.
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