Facebook and Google Will Be Forced to De-Encrypt Your Messages Under New Law

ABC AM is reporting Prime Minister Turnbull will today announce new laws that will make message de-encryption of social media sites mandatory in the interest of national security.

The government announced up to 90 per cent of ASIO’s priority cases were affected by online encryption and that more than 65 per cent of lawfully-intercepted data by the Australian Federal Police is encrypted.

The laws will enforce companies, who allow their users to encrypt their data and messages, to cooperate in investigations where national security is at risk. These companies include Facebook, Google and WhatsApp.

They will also extend to major organized crime and paedophile rings.

Attorney-General George Brandis spoke to ABC AM to explain that the laws are just an extension of existing laws into the online realm.

"What this does is merely contemporise for the modern era what is a well-established legal principle and that is persons, including companies, can be subject to an obligation to assist law enforcement in solving crimes," Brandis told ABC AM.

So, while the laws might not really affect most of us law-abiding citizens, it could set a precedent that allows governments to place more importance on national security efforts over infringing personal privacy of the citizens: us.

The legislation is likely to be introduced in Parliament before the end of the year.

Labor opposition frontbencher Anthony Albanese has told Channel Nine that "governments have that responsibility [national security] and we should have a bipartisan approach." 

Photo: iStock