we can expect similar but shadier things already occur in Germany (they've illudid to this before) and I would be shocked if the states and UK weren't trying to get in on the game too.

According to TFA, the client is sending an (extra) message to the logging server, so the conversation can still be end-to-end secure.

Trouble is, not even an open sourced alternative would help, if the provider of that binary has meddled with it, as appears to be the case here (Skype asked Tom to add filtering, Tom added logging while they were there).

....but with 3 ends.

I always assumed the NSA could listen in on Skype.

There's no better way to to tap communications than to quietly seed the development of what will be popular VOIP software and tell everyone it's "end to end encrypted".

Black budgets, people.

another thought - media seem to get handed China stories a bit like you use a piece of string to distract a cat.

"Hey, maybe I'll investigate government data silo plans and US Border controls"

"Hey reporter, yeah over here, check out this story about China"

"Bollocks to the data silo and no one can afford to travel anyway" reporter suckles at the teet of Chinese shocking behaviour. Hurumphs are delivered, pats on backs transmitted, everyone feels good again.

It is funny how these little distractions always turn up. It's like "hey guys don't pay attention to that giant arse f----ing machine you're sat on, instead pay attention to the guys over there with the funny hat and slitty eyes!"

And that dear AC is precisely why the UK Government were 6 weeks late replying to the EU enquiries, and why they assure all comers that Phorm is entirely legal and that the users should be pleased to have the opportunity to be "protected" by it.

Nothing to hide, nothing to fear. Move along please, nothing see.