Security News > 2020 > February > Facebook encrypted messaging will ‘create hiding places for child abuse’
We urge you to recognize and accept that an increased risk of child abuse being facilitated on or by Facebook is not a reasonable trade-off to make.
The NSPCC said in December 2019 that police in the UK recorded over 4,000 instances - an average of 11 per day - where Facebook apps were used in child abuse image and online child sexual offenses during the prior year.
The group warned that end-to-end encryption on all of its messaging apps will allow child abuse to go undetected, unless Facebook first puts clear safeguards in place, saying that encrypted messaging creates "Hiding places" for child abuse.
As you yourself have stated, Facebook has a responsibility to work with law enforcement and to prevent the use of your sites and services for sexual abuse.
In Thursday's open letter to Facebook, child protection groups urged Facebook to back off of its encryption plans until safeguards for children's safety are in place.