Encrypted messaging putting children at risk of abuse, says watchdog

Children's commissioner for England says tech giants are failing to keep children safe

The children's commissioner for England has warned that end-to-end encryption is putting children at risk of abuse, as a survey finds that most eight-year-olds are using messaging apps supposedly restricted to those aged 13 or older.

In a report published on Tuesday, Anne Longfield said plans by social media firms to widen the use of encrypted messaging would make it impossible for platforms to monitor content.