UK war on encryption will struggle without the US onside

UK eavesdropping plans must deal with US internet firms' security, users' encryption and a White House retreat on legal action

The British government wants the support of technology firms for its "snooper's charter" surveillance bill, yet that bill could end up being undercut by the US decision to back off in its own fight with the tech firms and also leave UK consumers free to guard their communications in such a way that no government can compel disclosure.

The home secretary, Theresa May, this week invited the biggest US internet firms and British telecoms providers to a meeting to seek their support for the legislation, officially known as the draft communications data bill.