Children exploited via digital encryption

The expansion of digital devices to allow people encrypt their communications and hide their identity is fuelling the trade in online child sexual exploitation, the EU police agency has said.

Europol said the spread of sophisticated online tools and increasing “camaraderie” among abusers is a “worrying trend”.

In its 2016 Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment, the agency said research indicates the average age of victims is falling and that the imagery is becoming more violent.