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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsNational security2yrs ago

Should the government require tech companies to provide backdoor access to encrypted communications for national security purposes?

Backdoor access means that tech companies would create a way for government authorities to bypass encryption, allowing them to access private communications for surveillance and investigation. Proponents argue that it helps law enforcement and intelligence agencies prevent terrorism and criminal activities by providing necessary access to information. Opponents argue that it compromises user privacy, weakens overall security, and could be exploited by malicious actors.

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Answer Overview

Response rates from 26.8k UK voters.

51%
Yes
49%
No

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 26.8k UK voters.

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Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 26.8k UK voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from UK voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @9Q4WCJBanswered…2yrs2Y

Yes, as long as the government can provide significant, tangible evidence that all other conventional methods have been exhausted

 @9Q2PZ3S answered…2yrs2Y

Only with a court order/warrant in extreme cases such as the need to thwart a violent act against innocent civilians. The proof required would need to be substantial as this power could be seriously abused.

 @9MWR5QRanswered…2yrs2Y

Yes, only when significant evidence suggests a risk to national security and safety.

 @9PXL2XK answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, but should have a separate division of the government that is bound by confidentiality and can only use information that clearly indicates criminal activity that’s verified by multiple impartial parties to insure information from communications isn’t being used incorrectly

 @BF29K9Sanswered…1wk1W

Yes, but only after obtaining a court order

 @BDZYJDKanswered…1wk1W

No, only through a court order.

 @BDWK774answered…3wks3W

Yes, but a court order must be obtained to grant access.

 @BDSJHTGanswered…4wks4W

Yes, but only if it's Companies that promote mass survaliance or Authoritarianism

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 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...…6yrs6Y

Should critical race theory be taught in K-12 education?

No

▲  19.8k6 replies4 agree1 disagree

About This Data

Based on 26.8k responses to this question.

These results come from iSideWith's ongoing political issues survey. We collect over a million responses per day, filter out duplicate and multiple submissions, and break the results down by political party, ideology, age, state, and census demographics (income, race, education, household).

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Cite This Poll

iSideWith. (2026). “Should the government require tech companies to provide backdoor access to encrypted communications for national security purposes?” — Public Opinion Poll Results. Retrieved June 23, 2026, from https://uk.isidewith.com/poll/5139231646

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