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There has been a big problem in India with lynch mobs being formed in Whatsapp groups, over various unsubstantiated rumours, including apparent child snatchers

There has been a big problem in India with lynch mobs being formed in Whatsapp groups, over various unsubstantiated rumours, including apparent child snatchers travelling through villages [1]. This raises an interesting cross section of moral issues. Obviously end-to-end encryption is good for a lot of reasons. But end-to-end encryption is one of the reasons that these lynchings have been able to happen. These kinds of lynchings have been going on forever, but Whatsapp and mobile phones have allowed these rumours to spread faster than ever before, and for mobs to form so much easier. Does the right to privacy outweigh people's right to travel without fear of being lynched? [1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-44856910 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-44856910

krasin 8y ago
>But end-to-end encryption is one of the reasons that these lynchings have been able to happen Have all participants of the lynchings being prosecuted? Enforcing civil and criminal codes is enough to stop them. There's no need to blame end-to-end encryption. It's not the tool, it's the people.
- pjc50 8y ago
  No, because the rule of law has largely collapsed and, like lynchings everywhere, they happen with the complicity of local law enforcement.
humbledrone 8y ago
Assuming that you agree that the government should not have the right to install mandatory CCTV cameras in private residences, where do you draw the line between that and eavesdropping on people's digital communications? What is it about digital communications that makes it reasonable for the government to listen in? I don't see any difference between the government CCTV in your bedroom and the Whatsapp case, except that Whatsapp could be spied upon much more cheaply and efficiently (were it not encrypted).
- mijamo 8y ago
  Actually in many places if you suddenly gather a group of 20 angry people there is a high chance you WILL be listened with attention by the State for security reasons.

krasin 8y ago

>But end-to-end encryption is one of the reasons that these lynchings have been able to happen Have all participants of the lynchings being prosecuted? Enforcing civil and criminal codes is enough to stop them. There's no need to blame end-to-end encryption. It's not the tool, it's the people.

pjc50 8y ago
No, because the rule of law has largely collapsed and, like lynchings everywhere, they happen with the complicity of local law enforcement.

humbledrone 8y ago

Assuming that you agree that the government should not have the right to install mandatory CCTV cameras in private residences, where do you draw the line between that and eavesdropping on people's digital communications? What is it about digital communications that makes it reasonable for the government to listen in? I don't see any difference between the government CCTV in your bedroom and the Whatsapp case, except that Whatsapp could be spied upon much more cheaply and efficiently (were it not encrypted).

mijamo 8y ago
Actually in many places if you suddenly gather a group of 20 angry people there is a high chance you WILL be listened with attention by the State for security reasons.