U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Leaders: Paris Attackers Used Encryption To Send Messages

Washington Post: Senators want to give government access to encrypted communications to combat terrorism

Senate Intelligence Committee leaders are vowing to explore ways to grant more government access to secure communications, after intelligence outfits failed to pick up on direct chatter between the perpetrators of the Paris attacks.

Lawmakers said it was time to intensify discussions over what technology companies such as Apple and Google could do to help unscramble key information on devices such as Iphones and apps like WhatsApp, where suspected terrorists have communicated. Those companies made changes last year to their smartphone operating systems preventing the companies themselves from accessing that information.

Previously, the government could issue a warrant to force tech companies to cough up data from its users. But following the Edward Snowden leaks, and a heightened sense of privacy from the public about the government’s access to personal information, companies began clamping down.

WNU Editor: It is still too early to make any conclusions on how the Paris attacks were organized and implemented .... but for supporters within the intelligence community .... this crisis has become their opportunity to restart the debate on encryption, surveillance and privacy.

More News On U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Leaders Raising The Issue Of Restricting Encryption Technologies

Paris Attackers Likely 'ISIL-Directed' and Used Encryption, Senate Intel Chief Says -- ABC News
U.S. lawmakers say Paris attacks highlight encryption concerns -- Reuters
Paris Attacks Fuel Debate Over Spying -- WSJ
Paris attacks reignite debate over encryption, surveillance and privacy -- USA Today
Paris revives battle over government access to encrypted data -- The Hill
After Paris attacks, lawmakers seek greater access to encrypted data -- CSM
Should encryption really be enemy No. 1 after the Paris attacks? -- Lance Ulanoff, Mashable
Restricting Encryption Would Not Have Prevented the Paris Attacks -- Kaveh Waddell, The Atlantic