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Technology

Five Eyes and Japan call for Facebook backdoor to monitor crime

Security alliance worries encrypted messaging apps can be used by bad actors

TOKYO -- Japan has joined countries in the Five Eyes security alliance in a call for Facebook to review its encryption practices over concerns the company's messaging apps will become tools for terrorists and child traffickers, Nikkei has learned.

Currently, Facebook encrypts the contents of messages exchanged between the sender and receiver so that no one else -- including Facebook itself -- can see them. While this technology serves to protect users' privacy, it also makes it impossible for the company to provide authorities with information related to crimes.

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