FBI anti-terror official calls on tech firms to 'prevent encryption above all else'

When communication goes through encrypted channels, rather than in public, the FBI has a hard time intercepting it

The FBI has again waded into the debate around encryption, with the bureau's assistant director of counterterrorism telling the US congress that tech companies should "prevent encryption above all else".

Michael Steinbach, speaking at a hearing before the House Homeland Security Committee, explained how the the FBI uses technology to track and intercept supporters of Isis in the Middle East and elsewhere.