ISPCC warns Facebook's messaging encryption could render child abuse detection 'useless'

ISPCC, which runs the Childline service, said Facebook's plans for end-to-end encryption on Messenger and Instagram could render its existing tools to detect child abuse imagery 'useless'. File picture: AP/Thibault Camus

A leading children’s charity has raised fears that plans by Facebook to install end-to-end encryption on its private messaging service and on Instagram will render its existing tools to detect child abuse imagery “useless”.

The ISPCC, which runs the Childline service, said major technology corporations currently use a range of tools to identify child abuse imagery as well as child grooming and sexual abuse on online platforms.