Five Eyes warn encryption can severely undermine public safety

Political heads of the intelligence services of “Five Eyes” alliance – Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – addressed encryption during their meeting in Ottawa. The Joint Communiqué of the Ministers of Interior, Immigration Ministers and Attorneys General warned that encryption can severely undermine public safety, as it prevents lawful access to content of communications for investigation into crimes and terrorism. “Five Eyes” members further commit to engage with communication and technology companies to “explore shared solutions while upholding cybersecurity and individual rights and freedom”. Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) criticized the communique and warned that this might lead into compelling Internet companies to weaken the security of their products.