The US government is seeking to force Facebook to break the encryption on its Messenger app , in order for law enforcement to be permitted to monitor conversations , should a criminal probe be put against the user . The case is being held in a federal court in California , and is under investigation , so details are limited . Nonetheless , according to three people who have spoken to Reuters , the US Department of Justice is seeking to hold Facebook in contempt of court for refusing to carry out a surveillance request .
The US government is looking to force Facebook to break the encryption on its Messenger app, in order for law enforcement to be permitted to wiretap conversations, should a criminal probe be put against the user. The case is being held in a federal court in California, and is under seal, so details are limited. Nonetheless, according to three people who have spoken to Reuters, the US Department of Justice is seeking to hold Facebook in contempt of court for refusing to carry out a surveillance request.