Flanagan: Encryption laws need to ‘balance privacy and free use of online space’

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has said there needs to be a balance between the right of individuals to use encryption to protect their online privacy and the needs of law enforcement.

Mr Flanagan was speaking after a meeting in Brussels with justice and home affairs secretaries from other EU member states.

The discussion focussed on countering radicalisation and enhancing cooperation between law enforcement and counter-terror authorities.

On encryption, Mr Flanagan said: “There are undoubtedly legitimate and essential uses and advantages to encryption for the individual, who is seeking to do no more than protect their data.

“This position must however be balanced against the requirements of law enforcement authorities, if we are to be successful in targeting illegal activity with a cyber-crime dimension.

“We have to find the right balance between privacy and the free use of the online space whereby the very necessary efforts to fight crime and terrorism and to ensure public safety can also be supported.”