I think calling this a ban on end-to-end encryption is an mis-characterization. According to the press conference where this comes from[1] it seems that they'r

I think calling this a ban on end-to-end encryption is an mis-characterization. According to the press conference where this comes from[1] it seems that they're talking about legislation that would expand the Telecommunications Act's provisions to require communications providers to assist law enforcement[2] to cover internet messaging platforms. This doesn't necessarily mean that Facebook would be obligated to backdoor their encryption or store a keys for all communications or change the architecture of their platform. They would be obligated to comply with interception warrants to the best of their ability. Forms that this assistance could take (from the act): (7) A reference in this section to giving help includes a reference to giving help by way of: (a) the provision of interception services, including services in executing an interception warrant under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 ; or (b) giving effect to a stored communications warrant under that Act; or (c) providing relevant information about: (i) any communication that is lawfully intercepted under such an interception warrant; or (ii) any communication that is lawfully accessed under such a stored communications warrant; or (ca) complying with a domestic preservation notice or a foreign preservation notice that is in force under Part 3-1A of that Act; or (d) giving effect to authorisations under Division 3 or 4 of Part 4-1 of that Act; or (e) disclosing information or a document in accordance with section 280 of this Act. I prefer to see law enforcement have broad authorizations but limited special powers (i.e. they're allowed to do a lot of things in pursuit of an investigation but they don't have many ways to compel assistance) but I think this story is overblown (largely because Turnbull's quote out of context is pretty funny). [1] http://www.pm.gov.au/media/2017-07-14/press-conference-attorney-general-senator-hon-george-brandis-qc-and-acting http://www.pm.gov.au/media/2017-07-14/press-conference-attor... [2] http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ta1997214/s313.html http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ta1997214/...