The Messenger issue arose in Fresno, California, as part of an investigation of the MS-13 gang, one of the people said. 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. In an interview with Reuters, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that he was "concerned" about Facebook's ability to comply with requests from authorities and asked whether it would have any difficulty complying if forced 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. In an interview with Reuters, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that he was "concerned" about Facebook's ability to comply with requests from authorities and asked whether it would have any difficulty complying if forced 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.