What is the problem?
American internet companies are currently barred by law from handing over messages stored in the country to British investigators. They can provide the ‘who, where, when and how’ of a communication - what time it was sent, etc - but not the “what”, the message’s contents.
Does it really matter?
Yes. Currently two criminals plotting a murder in Britain could have their texts intercepted but not their private Facebook messages. Security officials have revealed that getting access to messages was “critical” in foiling of the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot. They question whether a similar plot could be stopped today.
Any exceptions?
A few. US companies can be made to hand...