Backdoor access to encrypted communications has been demanded by Netherlands’ spy chief Rob Bertholee—a view that differs from the government’s official position.

In an interview with local daily De Volkskrant at the weekend, Bertholee—head of the General Intelligence and Security Service of the Netherlands (AIVD)—said that terrorists are using encrypted chat applications such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal, and argued that those services made it extremely difficult for authorities to prevent terrorist attacks.

At the beginning of the year, the Dutch government adopted a strong stance against "any restriction in the development, availability, or use of cryptography" in an official paper. It said that weakening encryption products with backdoors for law enforcement would leave systems vulnerable to criminals, terrorists, and foreign intelligence services.

However, Bertholee said he wants to have access to "the communications of those who pose a threat."

"Will people who value privacy over anything else continue to pursue their goal with the same enthusiasm after they have fallen victim to a terrorist attack? You should ask yourself how much security you are prepared to sacrifice for privacy," he said.

Dutch digital rights organisation Bits of Freedom said Bertholee was creating a "false dichotomy between privacy and security." It added:

The head of the Dutch security service does not fully recognise that the right to privacy and the use of encryption is a core element of a secure and free society. It is not possible to weaken encryption just a little bit for 'good causes' only. Introducing backdoors would not only allow the Dutch security service to access encrypted communications, but also make our communications vulnerable to criminals and foreign intelligence services.

Bertholee said that protection of privacy was "very important," added he wasn't interested in a "dragnet," then took a swipe at the current government position, and referenced Apple's refusal to unlock the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone for the FBI: "In that case the Dutch government should also accept the fact that we are no longer able to access communications of terrorists—and Apple. Should helping terrorists communicate securely be one of Apple’s aims?"

Last month, France's interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, called for EU-level "action" on encrypted messaging apps.