Follow
ISIS is reportedly using the Telegram app to safely communicate without being detected.
In the recent light of the tragic events unfolded in Paris last week, the time has come to understand how privacy for applications is turning against us. Modern terrorists use the same technology as us to communicate, make plans and organize. It was been reported that the attacks from last week were planned via PlayStation 4.
The deadliest attack in Paris since the Second War World recorded 129 deaths and more than 300 wounded people. After several arrests took place in Brussels, Belgium, it has been proved that the terrorists who orchestrated the attack have been planning it by communicating on PlayStation 4 consoles. Some of the discussions may have taken place even during games.
Now new information has surfaced regarding the online media used by ISIS. The terrorist group has claimed responsibility via Telegram, an app similar to WhatsApp. But why did they choose it? Simply because it encrypts messages, and thus is hard to track and monitor. The application was made by Russians who were trying to evade being surveilled by the government. It seems to be extremely secure, as it held a contest for hackers who wanted to try to crack it. No one was able to do it.
Ed Cabrera, who has been a Secret Service agent and is now vice-president at Trend Micro, a cyber security company, has emphasized the huge disadvantage posed by these applications to law enforcement. Unfortunately, companies really want to demonstrate their security after the Edward Snowden case.
Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, has stated two months ago that the right for privacy is of utmost importance and that it should defeat our fear of terrorism. He added that the bad guys will always find ways to use online media, be it Telegram or another platform.
However, the company has collaborated with governments before, as it was the case when it barred users from Iran from accessing pornographic content. In this case Durov insisted that this decision was taken for the image of Telegram. Cabrera considers curious the fact that the company did concessions in the Iran case, but does not want to in the much more serious situation of global terrorism.
In the light of how privacy for applications is turning against us, maybe we should take into consideration the greater good and make every effort to fight terrorism.
Image Source: www.insurancejournal.com
