New Zealand Police Statement On End-to-End Encryption
New Zealand Police, as part of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT), is today releasing a joint statement highlighting the devastating impact End-to-End Encryption may have on the ability to identify sex offenders online and protect children.
The Virtual Global Taskforce jointly urges industry partners to recognise their responsibility in protecting children on their platforms and to only implement major platform design choices alongside robust safety systems that safeguard children from online sexual abuse.
New Zealand Police is one of 15 law enforcement agencies working alongside affiliate members from private industry and non-governmental organisations to tackle the global threat of online child sexual abuse.
The VGT Statement (attached to this release) notes that while there is no doubt that encryption plays an important role in safeguarding privacy, this must be balanced with the importance of safeguarding children online.
The VGT is aware of the negative effect that End-to-End Encryption has on the ability of companies and law enforcement agencies to counter the crime of online child sexual exploitation.
The VGT encourages industry to respond and consider the following: Only to implement platform design choices, including End-to-End Encryption, at scale alongside robust safety systems that maintain or increase child safety.
Where the child user base and risk is high, a proportionate investment and implementation of technically feasible safety solutions is paramount. The abuse will not stop just because companies decide to stop looking.
The VGT notes that we all have a role to play in protecting children in online spaces, and strongly urges industry partners to take active steps toward this goal.
Detective Inspector Stuart Mills, Manager Intercept and Technology Operations, National Criminal Investigation Group says “A considerable amount of work continues to be undertaken in the End-to-End Encryption space. This is another strand to this very broad topic which will continue to have significant impact on the child sexual exploitation and investigation space.”
HOW TO SPOT THIS OFFENDING:
• Meeting on one app, then being
encouraged to continue a conversation on a different
platform could be an indicator.
• Inconsistencies with
a profile or language, and there might be signs that English
is a second language.
• Introduction of sexualised
conversations.
• The other person may say that their
webcam or microphone not working for video calls/chats, so
they could be avoiding giving their true identity.
FOR VICTIMS:
• Avoid sending any more images or videos -
even if they are threatening you.
• Remember - once you
have complied with their demands there is nothing preventing
them targeting you again.
• If you can, save all the
online chat and take screenshots. This is important for
making a report to the police, we need all the evidence that
you can gather.
• Block the profile.
• Report the
content to the platform (e.g. Facebook, Snapchat, PornHub)
it is on and request the content is removed.
• Make a
report to Police (via 105) or Netsafe to find out what other
options are available to you.
FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS:
• Supervision is essential. This means
knowing what your children are doing online, who they are
interacting with and what platforms, apps or games they are
using.
• Having open conversations, often. The most
important tip we can give any parent or carer is to start
talking to your child about their online activities.
•
Check privacy settings. We recommend parents and carers
research and understand app settings, including privacy
settings. This could include turning off location settings,
setting profiles to private, or turning off chat
functions.
• Be approachable if your child needs help.
Coming forward isn’t always easy, and children may feel
reluctant to tell you about online issues if they believe
they will be punished or have their devices taken away. They
must know that it is ok to speak to you or any other trusted
adult if something doesn’t feel right.
• Long term
impact. Offenders will often use tactics such as fear or
shame to manipulate young people, and make them feel
alienated or trapped, like they cannot escape the situation.
These situations can be very distressing and can have long
term-impacts, and need to be addressed appropriately. Your
child is a victim of online child sexual exploitation, and
they need your support.
• Report suspicious behaviour.
Seek help and support, and report inappropriate or
suspicious behaviour online.
WHERE TO REPORT OFFENDING:
NEW ZEALAND POLICE
• 105
(non-Emergency)
• 111
(Emergency)
NETSAFE
• Text ‘Netsafe’ to
4282
• Email: help@netsafe.org.nz(link
sends e-mail)
• Call us toll free on 0508 NETSAFE
(0508 638 723)
• Online report form at
netsafe.org.nz/report
The Netsafe helpline is open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on weekends.