Consider the state of the world
Normally, I would not want others accessing encrypted messages, because personal communication should not be watched. But, seeing the state of the world, with global terror incidents, and the recent attacks in the UK and Russia, threats to security must be considered. But the messages should be monitored and should not be leaked. The safety of countries is important.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Just ask
I do not agree with giving away my private information. If there is any threat of terror anywhere in the world, global authorities could simply request network providers to decrypt suspicious messages. Why do security agencies want access to all messaging apps?
From Mr Mohammad Anas
Dubai
Totally disagree
I don’t agree with government agencies getting access to satellite communications without people’s permission.
From Mr Riaz Ahmad Chohan
Karachi, Pakistan
Do you mind?
People with seemingly suspicious intentions would have an issue, regarding others seeing their exchange of information on messaging apps. I have no issues with anyone tracking my messages for the good of the society. I believe that all individuals with clean, objective and impartial intentions wouldn’t mind either.
From Mr M. Manmeet
Sharjah
Let them check
Terrorism was occurring even before the advent of social media. I think it serves us well if the government monitors lawbreakers’ exchange of messages, for security reasons. If there is a legitimate reason, why would any innocent person have any problem with this, as long as their privacy is not compromised?
From Ms Mahnaaz Shaikh
Goa, India
Slippery slope
The US is proposing to pass a bill to sell people’s browsing history to corporations without their consent, and now, the UK is trying this in a different way. Bit by bit, they want to snatch away people’s freedom, keep an eye on consumers and use their information to control them. This is a very slippery slope. Imagine how people’s information could be used negatively by politicians and big corporations, to manipulate or propagate their own agenda against the populace! Their biggest excuse is terrorism. I think that is how today’s politicians are ignoring, rejecting or stripping away people’s existing rights and freedoms, and dividing them on the basis of fear. Besides, this may not substantially help reduce terrorism, because there are other ways criminals can figure out a form of communication. They do not think rationally, like most of us.
I would like to know if allowing government agencies access, could prevent conspiracies and plans from taking place. If yes, then what would be its success rate? Do we think terrorists are dumb? Would they not have access to or create any other means to communicate or plot a terror attack? Have we ever thought how this could be mismanaged or mishandled, knowingly or unknowingly? Encrypted messages can be used for other, more sinister purposes, too.
From Mr Farhaan Mohammad
UAE
As long as we are safe
Yes, I would allow government agencies access, because the security of the public is more important than anything else, today. However, global governments must focus on protecting the privacy of their citizens.
From Mr Farman Khan
Kohat, Pakistan
No problem
I do not have any problem with this, as long as it is purely for security reasons.
From Mr Mustafa Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
Let’s face it
Yes, the authorities should be allowed to access and read people’s messages for the security and safety of all people.
From Mr Ahtasham Imtiyaz
Karachi, Pakistan
Saving lives
I have no issues and I have nothing to hide. I agree to any cause that will help save lives.
From Ms Lisa Goswell
UAE
Why should people suffer?
No. The overwhelming percentage of the population in any country is completely innocent. Why must the privacy of a majority of people be violated, in order to track such a tiny number of offenders? Even if these platforms were monitored, criminals would find other ways of orchestrating their attacks. That’s where the real problem lies – in the heads and hearts of these people.
From Mr Jonathan Botha
Dubai
My personal space
I believe social media sites and mobile applications are monitored. I think there is no problem when you chat with your loved ones and send out pictures to them. To track or identify terrorists, messaging apps should be strictly observed, but our private conversations should not be leaked.
From Mr Mohammad Ansar
UAE
Safety is more important
I would agree to divulge any information. I am ready to compromise my privacy when it comes to the security of the country. Saving lives of others is more important than keeping one’s own private space.
From Ms Mehzabin Seddiqi
UAE
For our own sake
I think it should be allowed, because nothing is more important than everyone’s security.
From Mr Imran Ayoub Khan
Dubai
Prying eyes
It was alleged that the killer in the UK Parliament attack acted alone. If that is the basis of why the country’s government wants access to encrypted messages, then what about the daily crimes in the country? Is this being used as an excuse? Hasn’t the UK government started decrypting messages yet?
From Mr Abdin Ahmad
Dubai
Editor’s note: Is there a debate topic that you feel strongly about? Something that you would like to see addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
