WhatsApp rejects Britain’s request to access encrypted texts of terrorists

The inability to access terrorists’ encrypted conversations is creating a “black hole” for security services, Britain-based Sky News quoted security sources saying on Tuesday. 

Terrorists were “frequent users of encrypted apps” - specifically WhatsApp and another app Telegram. “It is crucially important that we can access their communications -- and when we can’t, it can provide a black hole for investigators,” the report said, quoting sources. 

WhatsApp said that it cannot provide data that it does not collect. The company said that it “appreciates the work that law enforcement agencies do to keep people safe around the world. We are prepared to carefully review, validate and respond to law enforcement requests based on applicable law and policy”.