So if I understand correctly, the British prime minister wants to ban every PGP, P2P encrypted message/data transmission application/service from UK?
How exactly is he going to do that?
In the same way you ban drugs. You cant actually stop people using/distributing drugs, but you can make it illegal.
So whilst an individual might take the risk, a legit company would not. Google would have to block apps in the UK play store that don't comply.
Unfortunately most people haven't got a clue, and anything that will "stop terrorists" must be a good thing. In reality, companies will follow the profits, even if that means having to comply.
He cannot stop terrorists from using secure communications by banning them.
I think it's an excuse so that they can eavesdrop on everyone more freely (and legally), much like the NSA does.
Speaking of which, didn't the U.S. do something similar with the NSA?
I think they made a new law after the September 11 incident.