Apple revives encryption debate with move on child exploitation

Backers of encryption argue that authorities already have multiple sources of 'digital breadcrumbs' to track nefarious activity and that any tools to break encryption could be exploited by bad actors. — AFP Relaxnews

Apple’s announcement that it would scan encrypted messages for evidence of child sexual abuse has revived debate on online encryption and privacy, raising fears the same technology could be used for government surveillance.

The iPhone maker said its initiative would “help protect children from predators who use communication tools to recruit and exploit them, and limit the spread of child sexual abuse material”.