Signal Opposes Online Safety Bill: Upholding Privacy and Fundamental Rights
Introduction: Signal, the renowned privacy-focused messaging app, has taken a firm stance against the Online Safety Bill in the UK. The bill, despite its “online safety” label, poses significant threats to privacy, freedom of expression, and encryption. Signal emphasizes its commitment to providing people everywhere with a secure and private communication tool and warns about the potential consequences of weakening encryption.
Encryption and Unbreakable Backdoors: Signal emphasizes the critical role of encryption in ensuring the safety and privacy of communication for everyone. The organization asserts that encryption either works for all or is broken for all, as creating a “safe backdoor” is not possible. It highlights the failed attempts by governments to implement backdoors, citing examples such as the Clipper Chip, and underscores the vulnerability of any scheme that provides access to “good guys” as it can be exploited by malicious actors.
Challenges with the Online Safety Bill: Signal criticizes the Online Safety Bill for its mixed provisions, which include dangerous “spy clauses” and vague “duty of care” obligations that could lead to mass surveillance and content policing. The organization warns that complying with these provisions would require service providers to weaken or remove the encryption they offer, posing severe threats to privacy. Signal echoes concerns raised by experts from organizations like the Internet Society and the Open Rights Group regarding the potential authoritarian-style censorship and government control over expression.
Addressing Child Abuse and Exploitation: Signal acknowledges the emotional gravity of issues related to child exploitation and abuse, but cautions against allowing well-meaning intentions to lead to authoritarian measures. The organization emphasizes that mass surveillance is unlikely to effectively address these complex social problems, citing evidence that non-technical remedies, such as providing resources to responders and improving social safety nets, have a better track record in aiding those affected.
Opposition and Commitment to Privacy: Signal firmly opposes the Online Safety Bill in its current form, raising concerns about its impact on privacy, safety, and fundamental rights. The organization pledges to continue ensuring that people in the UK, and worldwide, have access to Signal and private communications. However, it asserts that privacy and safety promises cannot be compromised, signaling its commitment to upholding the principles of privacy and encryption.
Conclusion: Signal stands against the Online Safety Bill due to its potential to erode privacy and security while creating a blueprint for authoritarian governments. The organization urges a reconsideration of key provisions, emphasizing the need to address social issues surrounding abuse through non-technical means. Signal remains committed to providing people worldwide with secure and private communication tools without compromising their privacy and safety.
