Apple and WhatsApp condemn GCHQ plans to eavesdrop on encrypted chats

GCHQ 'ghost protocol' would seriously undermine user security and trust, says letter

A GCHQ proposal that would enable eavesdropping on encrypted chat services has been condemned as a "serious threat" to digital security and human rights.

In an open letter signed by more than 50 companies, civil society organisations and security experts - including Apple, WhatsApp, Liberty and Privacy International - GCHQ was called on to abandon its so-called "ghost protocol", and instead focus on "protecting privacy rights, cybersecurity, public confidence, and transparency".