According to the Untouchables, despite their reputation for securing messages with end-to-end encryption, these apps could become an ideal playground for hackers and, more concerning, prevent authorities from accessing crucial evidence for public safety.

While the FBI acknowledges the merits of modern encryption technologies, it has the same issue with it that it always has -- these apps prevent access to messages, even with legal warrants.

This total encryption of conversations sends a clear message: "Even authorities can’t access them." However, this is where the problem arises. While these apps ensure maximum security for users, they are a prime target for criminals, some of whom use this technology to engage in illicit activities without fear of being monitored.

In 2023, hackers linked to China used WhatsApp to transmit stolen information from U.S. high-tech companies. Similarly, terrorist groups have reportedly used Signal to plan large-scale attacks.

FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasised the challenge end-to-end encryption poses for authorities:

"The public should not have to choose between safe data and communities. We should be able to have both—and we can have both… Collecting evidence is becoming harder because so much of that evidence now lives in the digital realm. Terrorists, hackers, child predators, and more are taking advantage of end-to-end encryption to conceal their communications and illegal activities from us."

This is where things get particularly contentious. Meta, Apple, and Google, the tech giants at the heart of this debate, have continued to defend their end-to-end encryption policies, citing user privacy protection as the main argument. However, the situation becomes more complicated when malicious actors exploit these security gaps for criminal purposes.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg responded by defending its encryption on WhatsApp, emphasising that it protects users while ensuring the confidentiality of conversations:

"End-to-end encryption is the best way to protect and secure people’s communications. This recent attack makes that point incredibly clear, and we will continue to provide this technology to people who rely on WhatsApp."

Former Deputy US Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said that the age of "warrant-proof" encryption represents a serious problem for authorities:

"Encryption is a foundational element of data security and authentication… But the advent of 'warrant-proof' encryption is a serious problem… The law recognises that legitimate law enforcement needs can outweigh personal privacy concerns."

Wray said: "It’s time for companies to rethink their encryption policies."

The agency insists that responsible encryption could better protect the average user and enable authorities to respond more quickly to threats.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) strongly opposed the push for "responsible" encryption, arguing that such a change would undermine the very principles of digital security:

"The DOJ has said they want an ‘adult conversation’ about encryption. This is not it. The DOJ needs to understand that secure end-to-end encryption is a responsible security measure that helps protect people."