WhatsApp, Facebook and Snapchat could be set for UK ban

The popular messaging services WhatsApp and Snapchat could be banned in the UK.

The apps, which allow users to send messages and videos to friends using Wi-Fi, are facing a UK ban if the controversial 'Snooper's Charter' legislation is passed.

WhatsApp, iMessage and Snapchat scramble communications between their users and Prime Minister David Cameron is planning to introduce a bill which would stop people from sending any form of encrypted messages.

Earlier this year, Mr Cameron said: "In our country, do we want to allow a means of communication between people which we cannot read?

"My answer to that question is: 'No, we must not'.

"If I am Prime Minister, I will make sure it is a comprehensive piece of legislation that makes sure we do not allow terrorist safe spaces to communicate with each other."

The government wants to quickly push the legislation through parliament after the terrorist atrocities in France and Tunisia.

The attack in Sousse left 38 people dead, including 30 Britons.

If the new laws get through parliament, it would mean WhatsApp, Google, Facebook and Apple would have to hand over messages sent by users to government agencies including MI5.