FBI head helped Facebook defend encryption he’s now fighting

Wray's work as a part of a team of attorneys about five years ago appears to be at odds with the international push by the Justice Department and US allies to allow law enforcement and intelligence agencies to bypass encrypted communications. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: Christopher Wray, prior to becoming FBI director, argued on behalf of Facebook Inc in defense of encrypted communications as the company was being pressured by the US Justice Department over the issue, according to a court filing and a person familiar with the case.

Wray's work as a part of a team of attorneys about five years ago appears to be at odds with the international push by the Justice Department and US allies to allow law enforcement and intelligence agencies to bypass encrypted communications.