UK Moves One Step Closer to Orwells 1984 NightmareCarey Wedler In the United Kingdom, home of big brother and big brother to the U.S., they simply want toban forms of communication they cannot intrude upon. British Prime Minister David Cameron drew media attention this week when, in response to the Paris terrorist attacks, he said: He is opposed to the reality that encrypted data onservices likethe iPhones iMessage (iPhone to iPhone texting) and international communication app WhatsApp cannot be accessed, even with a warrant, and suggested such tools should be outright banned. Droid operating systems would also fall into this category. Camerons statement has strong implications in implying that people should not be allowed to communicate unless the government is privy to it. Camerons comments came as a part of a broader push for more state surveillance powers in the name of safety. Legislation nicknamed the snoopers charter was blocked previously by liberals in the British legislature, but Cameron is pouncingon the Charlie Hebdo tragedy to push for support in a newer version. He will re-introducethe billif he wins the next general election, set for May of this year. Director of Big Brother Watch, Emma Carr, condemned such a move: Since Edward Snowdens leaks in 2013, there has been powerful opposition to state surveillance. However, many citizens cower to privacy violations when global tragedies occur and lawmakers exploit the surrounding fear to expand state reach. It isdifficult to believe that the British people would tolerate banning many of the worlds most commonand convenient forms of text messaging, but Conservatives (Camerons party) are currently ahead in electoral polls. At the same time, the establishments preferences are strong and vocal. Londons Mayor Boris Johnson declared The ambiguity of words like these people and threat, however,are exactly why companies developed enhanced encryption features in the first place. Carey Wedler writes for TheAntiMedia.org, where this first appeared. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to receive our latest articles. 