End-to-end encrypted WhatsApp chats can be analysed: NCB

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has made one thing clear: End-to-end encrypted WhatsApp chats can be dug into and analysed by government agencies with the help of forensic specialists. Photo for representation only Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 9 Investigating a drugs case, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has made one thing clear: End-to-end encrypted WhatsApp chats can be dug into and analysed by government agencies with the help of forensic specialists. As a petition filed by an 18-year-old for regular bail in a drugs case came up for hearing before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the NCB submitted that the entire WhatsApp chat was end-to-end encrypted. As such, it could not be opened by the NCB officers. They were, therefore, constrained to send it to forensic specialists for “opening and analysis”. The prosecution’s case was that the petitioner and his co-accused-father were found in possession of 520 grams of heroin without permit or licence. They were arrested on February 14, 2020. Justice Sudip Ahluwalia’s Bench was told the complacency/involvement of the accused in trafficking was established from his talks over phone and WhatsApp communications with a Nigerian handler/supplier of contraband. Screenshots from the petitioner’s phone regarding…
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