To Save the News, We Must Open Up App Stores
Electronic Frontier FoundationJun 03, 2023
The Facts
Tech giant Apple has threatened to remove applications such as FaceTime and iMessage from its available UK services if the government applies proposals intended to update the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act (IPA).
Apple has joined Meta in its objection to what's known as the Online Safety Bill, which would allow the UK government to scan encrypted messages.
The Spin
Narrative A
The UK's Online Safety Bill is a mess. While the need for greater regulation to combat online child abuse is widely backed, the potential legislation is the product of the extreme wings of the ruling party that censors and attempts to extend governmental powers beyond its territorial borders.
Narrative B
Recent public opinion polling shows that the UK overwhelmingly backs calls to strengthen the Online Safety Bill's measures. The British public has a clear message to the government that the online safety of children is paramount, and the influence of Big Tech must be counteracted.