WhatsApp head says safety law could shut down its service in UK

The bill, introduced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is an attempt to force Internet companies to remove illegal content such as child sexual abuse or terrorism. — Reuters

WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging service, could be forced to stop offering its services in the UK if the country passes the current draft of an online safety law, its head said March 9.

The Online Safety Bill before Parliament could effectively make the service’s privacy features illegal, WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart told reporters on Thursday at the London offices of its parent, Meta Platforms Inc. The messenger won’t change its encryption standards, he said.