France’s parliamentary intelligence delegation has moved to force end‑to‑end encryption on WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram to grant magistrates targeted access to messages. The eight‑member body concluded that the technical barrier is surmountable and urged lawmakers to create a legal framework for such backdoors.

The delegation’s report follows years of frustration from French police and intelligence services, which can still intercept calls and SMS but cannot reach encrypted traffic. Senators have already passed a bill that would fine platforms 2 % of worldwide revenue for non‑compliance, but the National Assembly killed the measure.

Critics argue that installing a "ghost participant" would expose users to state‑grade hacking and undermine privacy protections. Proponents, led by Senator Cédric Perrin, contend that the state should treat encrypted messaging like any other communication channel.

The debate pits national security interests against civil liberties, with the outcome likely to reshape how encrypted data can be accessed under French law.