Tech, trade groups push back on global encryption access plans

Multiple governments have been warned by the Business Software Alliance, The App Association, and dozens of other technology and trade organizations that granting law enforcement access to encrypted data would weaken the digital protections that support modern commerce and user privacy, according to CyberScoop.

In a letter, the groups stressed that strong encryption underpins trust in online services, noting that "any effort to undermine encryption, whether through backdoors, key escrow systems, or technical mandates, undermines that trust."

Their concerns come as several European governments explore new authorities to reach encrypted communications. Apple's decision to withdraw its Advanced Data Protection feature from UK devices highlights the mounting friction, with the company reiterating that it "has never built a backdoor or master keyand never will."

Ireland is also weighing proposals to let national police obtain encrypted information, while the European Union recently paused its controversial Chat Control legislation, which would have enabled broad scanning of devices for child-abuse material. Advocacy organizations cautioned that the proposal would put at risk the privacy protections relied on by activists, journalists, and other vulnerable groups across Europe.