"SpeakFree Inc." has developed a revolutionary social media platform called "SafeSpace," which guarantees anonymity and security for its users through robust encryption technologies. The platform has become a haven for those seeking to discuss sensitive issues without fear of surveillance or reprisal. However, the situation escalates dramatically when credible evidence emerges that an anonymous group on "SafeSpace" is plotting a series of violent actions in the public. It seems that the group is exploiting the platform's privacy features to coordinate and plan their actions without being detected. Different users of the platform have reported these chats to the police. The police now demands that "SpeakFree Inc." provide access to the encrypted communications of the suspected group and their identities to prevent the impending actions and potentially save lives.

$3$a$)$ In light of the serious threat posed by the group on "SafeSpace," should the police be granted access to the encrypted communications and the user$-$identifying information to prevent the planned violent actions? Discuss the ethical implications of granting such access, considering the balance between public safety and individual rights to privacy and freedeom of expression.