Top tech firms avoid encryption issue in government talks

Executives commit to removing extremist material but do not address Amber Rudd's concerns after Westminster attack

Leading tech firms have promised to work closely with the government to remove extremist material from the internet and social media following a meeting with the home secretary, Amber Rudd.

However, while senior executives from Facebook, Twitter, Google and Microsoft pledged to "to tackle this vital issue", a joint statement from the companies after the meeting made no mention of dealing with encrypted messages.