Tech companies consider features which inadvertently ‘make it easier not harder for child abuse to take place’, inquiry told

‘Is it really beyond the wealth and wit of these...companies to prevent and detect child sexual abuse?’

Google is developing a browser feature which could inadvertently make it “easier, not harder, for child abuse to take place online”, a public inquiry has heard.

A prospective version of the tech giant’s new Chrome browser will contain end-to-end encryption, William Chapman, a lawyer representing three victims of online sexual abuse, told the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).

He said this form of encryption which is also used in apps such as WhatsApp, made it “harder to block harmful content”.

Internet giants were failing to properly tackle the problem of paedophilia online, he added.

“These firms bestride the world, telling us they are heroes of the technological revolution, they have amazed us with the things they can do ... the result is that they have legendary wealth,” he said.

“The ultimate question you have to ask is this: is it really beyond the wealth and wit of these technology companies to prevent and detect child sexual abuse on their platforms? Or is there something incompatible with their commercial objectives and their culture that makes them bridle at the necessary steps to curb this modern scourge?”

A spokesperson for Google said end-to-end encryption was being introduced to enhance users’ privacy.

“We’re always looking for ways to enhance privacy and protect users from online threats such as phishing, and as part of this we’re exploring additional ways to provide secure connections,” the spokesperson said.

“Contrary to reports, these secure connections would not disable the existing content controls of your current provider, including any existing protections for children.”

The IICSA has opened the second phase of its investigation, in which it will look at how how the internet is used to facilitate child sexual abuse in England and Wales.

Representatives from Facebook, Google, Apple and Microsoft are expected to give evidence during a series of public hearings from 13 to 24 May. Some hearings involving the technology giants will be closed sessions and not accessible to the public or members of the media.

The inquiry’s timetable says the sessions will be private due to “sensitive matters”.

The IICSA is expected to examine the policies and responses of internet providers, online platforms and other relevant technology companies in relation to child abuse.

Police and government officials will also give evidence during the second phase of the inquiry.

Mr Chapman also criticised the fact that his clients, a brother and sister who cannot be named, were not eligible for compensation for the abuse suffered because it took place wholly online.

“We say it is equally unacceptable that victims of sexual offences committed online are not eligible for compensation in the same way that those who provide the technology that facilitates this abuse are immune from liability, no matter how reckless or indifferent to the risks to children their platforms are,” he said.

“We say the that the case for regulating these companies is now beyond argument. Technology can and must solve the problem that technology has created.”

Facebook’s global safety policy manager Julie de Bailliencourt, is expected to appear at a hearing later this week.

The inquiry continues.

Additional reporting by agencies