Tech giants Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter and Yahoo have submitted evidence to the UK parliament voicing their concerns over the draft Investigatory Powers Bill.
If the Bill is passed, the way, and the extent to which, authorities access people’s communications will be overhauled.
The UK government would have new powers to force firms to give up decryption keys so it can read people’s encrypted messages.
“We reject any proposals that would require companies to deliberately weaken the security of their products via backdoors, forced decryption, or any other means,” the submission by the companies reads.
It also expresses concern over the UK government’s attempts to compel foreign companies to comply with its laws.
“We have collective experience around the world of personnel who have nothing to do with the data sought being arrested or intimidated in an attempt to force an overseas corporation to disclose user information,” state the RGS firms in their written evidence,” the submission states.
“We do not believe that the UK wants to legitimise this lawless and heavy-handed practice,” it adds.
Other submissions
Over 120 pieces of written evidence submitted to the Joint Committee on the Draft Investigatory Powers Bill have been published.
Others that have submitted evidence include Apple, EE, TechUK and Vodafone.
Chairman of the Joint Committee, Lord Murphy of Torfaen, said: “”The Committee is grateful to the wide range of people and organisations who have taken the time and effort to submit evidence to the inquiry.”
“The written evidence, together with that which we have heard in oral evidence sessions, will be vital to our further work,” he added.
The next meeting on the Draft Investigatory Powers Bill will be an oral evidence session with Theresa May, Secretary of State for the Home Department, on 13th January.
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