Ofcom will soon have legal authority to compel encrypted messaging apps to scan all user content before it’s sent.

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The UK government has confirmed plans to grant Ofcom authority under Section 121 of the Online Safety Act to compel encrypted messaging services like Signal, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger to implement client-side scanning technology. This would scan all messages on users' devices before encryption, effectively bypassing end-to-end encryption protections. The initiative, framed as targeting terrorism and child abuse material, is expected to begin implementation by April 2026 following Ofcom's report. Critics argue this creates surveillance infrastructure that could be expanded beyond its stated purpose, fundamentally undermining private messaging.

UK Orders Ofcom to Explore Encryption Backdoors