According to the reports by The Guardian, WhatsApp Chief Will Cathcart has announced that the platform will not comply with the UK’s proposed Online Safety Bill, which may jeopardize the app’s future operation in Britain. The bill mandates that all social media and messaging platforms implement updated moderation processes to protect users and address harmful behavior.
However, it would only be possible for platforms with full encryption to comply, as moderation teams could not access user content.
Cathcart stated that removing default encryption is not an option, as it would compromise user security, a top priority for WhatsApp’s global user base. The same applies to Meta’s other messaging apps, such as Messenger and Instagram Direct, which also implement full encryption by default.
If Meta fails to comply with the proposed code of practice, it could face fines of up to 4 percent of its annual turnover, which may prompt the company to reconsider its presence in the UK.
The UK government has opposed Meta’s expanded encryption push, citing concerns about the ability of law enforcement officials to investigate and prevent criminal activity, particularly related to child abuse. However, Cathcart maintains that user privacy has become an expectation, with more people turning to private, encrypted messaging to communicate freely with friends.
As the proposed bill returns to parliament mid-year, Meta’s future operations in the UK still need to be determined. It may need to implement new approaches or eliminate the country.