The UK government has admitted that the technology needed to securely scan encrypted messages sent on Signal and WhatsApp doesn’t exist, weakening its controversial Online Safety Bill.
  • no surprises@lemm.eeEnglish
    27·
    1 year ago

    The UK government denies that it has changed its stance. Minister for tech and the digital economy, Paul Scully MP said in a statement: “Our position on this matter has not changed and it is wrong to suggest otherwise. Our stance on tackling child sexual abuse online remains firm, and we have always been clear that the Bill takes a measured, evidence-based approach to doing so.”

    Under the bill, the regulator, Ofcom, will be able “to direct companies to either use, or make best efforts to develop or source, technology to identify and remove illegal child sexual abuse content—which we know can be developed,” Scully said.

    Although the UK government has said that it now won’t force unproven technology on tech companies, and that it essentially won’t use the powers under the bill, the controversial clauses remain within the legislation, which is still likely to pass into law. “It’s not gone away, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Woodward says.

    Idk, to me it’s far from over.

  • Raisin8659@monyet.ccEnglish
    12·
    1 year ago

    If they knew it wasn’t going to work, why ask for it at the first place. Red herring? Ask for something big to trade for something smaller? Drama for the bored?

    • Landbuffalo@feddit.uk
      5·
      1 year ago

      I think it may be a case of the blind attempting to lead the visually capable. I think most uk politicians have ZERO technical knowledge required to make such a decision without advice of Industry professionals.

    • abrasiveteapot@sh.itjust.works
      4·
      1 year ago

      Think Gaetz & Marjorie Taylor Greene. That’s pretty much our entire government now all the sensible people have been drummed out.

      Don’t let logic or facts get in the way of a good grandstanding.

      They didnt know it wasn’t going to work because they refuaed to listen to anyone trying to tell them it wouldn’t work

  • Leraje@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    7·
    1 year ago

    This is a temporary reprieve, that’s all and is only one part of the overall bill, which will almost certainly go through Parliament successfully.