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Australia takes aim at encrypted apps
Jan 21, 2025
Alex Linton, one of the creators of the encrypted messaging app Session, discusses the app's vital role during protests in Iran and its unique features for secure communication. He delves into the challenges posed by Australia's controversial TOLA law, risking user privacy in favor of law enforcement. Linton highlights the tensions between individual privacy rights and national security, including a crucial Supreme Court case. He also shares how Session's relocation to Switzerland aims to combat global privacy erosion and the ongoing battle for encrypted communications.
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Quick takeaways
- The surge in downloads of the Session messaging app during the Iranian protests highlighted its crucial role in facilitating secure communication for activists.
- Australia's TOLA legislation threatens the integrity of encrypted communications by allowing law enforcement to mandate backdoors, raising concerns over user privacy globally.
Deep dives
The Impact of Masa Amini's Death on Iranian Protests
The death of Masa Amini, a young Kurdish woman in police custody, sparked widespread protests in Iran, primarily led by women. Demonstrators expressed their outrage by burning their headscarves, challenging the government's oppressive policies. In response, the Iranian authorities reacted with severe force, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. This atmosphere of unrest created a surge in the usage of encrypted messaging apps, as individuals sought secure means to organize and communicate amidst escalating violence.
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