Technology companies and industry insiders have rejected accusations that they are not doing enough in the fight against terrorism. They say they have been unfairly targeted in comments by Britain’s electronic spying chief and that it is up to the world’s governments to strike a bargain balancing data privacy and national security.
“Silicon Valley is an easy target,” said one senior executive at a US tech group. “But a far more nuanced and considered response is required to address the fundamental question of a legal process based on user trust, transparency and due process.”
He added that striking one-off bilateral deals with governments set a dangerous precedent, as countries with “less regard for due process and the rule of law” would look to western governments to justify their own activities in restricting access to the internet.