Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about end-to-end encryption?
- What messaging apps do you know that are known to have end-to-end encryption?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- adopt /uh-DOPT/
- criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm /
- democratic /dem-uh-KRAT-ik /
- crucial /KROO-shuhl/
- terrorist /TER-er-ist/
[verb] – to accept or start to use something new
The company decided to adopt new technology to improve productivity and efficiency.
[noun] – an opinion given about something or someone, esp. a negative opinion, or the activity of making such judgments
The movie received mixed criticism from the audience, with some praising it while others found it confusing.
[adjective] – based on the principles of democracy
In a democratic society, the citizens have the power to elect their leaders through free and fair elections.
[adjective] – extremely important or necessary
It is crucial to follow safety guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus and protect our health.
[noun] – someone who uses violent action, or threats of violent action, for political purposes
The authorities are working tirelessly to prevent attacks by terrorists and protect the public from harm.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The ongoing battle between Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and the UK government centers on implementing super-secure messaging with end-to-end encryption. This intense clash has global governments closely watching for a resolution. The dispute raises a key question: Should tech companies access individuals’ private messages? It boils down to a core debate between Silicon Valley and governments worldwide.
In the past decade, end-to-end encryption has surged in popularity, with billions using encrypted apps daily. Initially met with hesitance from governments and security agencies, the landscape changed four years ago when Mark Zuckerberg announced that both Messenger and Instagram would adopt end-to-end encryption as the norm. This declaration raised concerns globally, prompting calls for increased transparency and safeguards. While Meta has not divulged specific details on the encryption rollout, the demand to reassess or enhance security measures has intensified.
Despite criticism from various governments and law enforcement agencies, end-to-end encryption remains unaffected by legislation in democratic nations. Countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, India, Turkey, Japan, and Brazil have expressed concerns. However, the proposed Online Safety Bill in the UK aims to address these concerns by requiring technical backdoors for message scanning. Supporters argue that accessing message content is crucial for convicting criminals and terrorists, and growing concerns about online child grooming have intensified the call for message scanning to protect children.
In the past decade, end-to-end encryption has surged in popularity, with billions using encrypted apps daily. Initially met with hesitance from governments and security agencies, the landscape changed four years ago when Mark Zuckerberg announced that both Messenger and Instagram would adopt end-to-end encryption as the norm. This declaration raised concerns globally, prompting calls for increased transparency and safeguards. While Meta has not divulged specific details on the encryption rollout, the demand to reassess or enhance security measures has intensified.
Despite criticism from various governments and law enforcement agencies, end-to-end encryption remains unaffected by legislation in democratic nations. Countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, India, Turkey, Japan, and Brazil have expressed concerns. However, the proposed Online Safety Bill in the UK aims to address these concerns by requiring technical backdoors for message scanning. Supporters argue that accessing message content is crucial for convicting criminals and terrorists, and growing concerns about online child grooming have intensified the call for message scanning to protect children.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the main topic of the ongoing battle between Mark Zuckerberg and the UK government?
- Why was there initially hesitance from governments and security agencies towards end-to-end encryption?
- When did Mark Zuckerberg announce that Messenger and Instagram would adopt end-to-end encryption as the norm?
- What concerns were raised globally after Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement regarding encryption?
- How has end-to-end encryption been affected by legislation in democratic nations?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used messaging apps or social media platforms that offer end-to-end encryption for your private messages? If yes, can you share your experience with using these apps? If not, do you understand what end-to-end encryption means and how it helps protect the privacy of online conversations?
- Have you heard about discussions or debates concerning the balance between privacy and security in the digital world? If yes, what are some important points or arguments that you have come across? If not, are you aware that people are discussing privacy and security issues related to online activities and communication?
- Do you think it is appropriate for technology companies to have the ability to access people’s private messages?
- What are the possible risks and consequences of requiring technical backdoors for scanning messages in encrypted apps, as suggested by the UK’s Online Safety Bill?
- How do you think governments can find a balance between ensuring public safety and protecting individuals’ privacy rights in the context of end-to-end encryption?
Listening: