'Working together to safeguard children online' End to End Encryption and the protection of children online

A panel discussion of expert speakers on end to end encryption and how we can continue to protect children online.

The agenda:

• Introduction - Victoria Green, CEO, MCF & Karl Hopwood, Chair of Trustees

• Reflections and Forward Plan - MCF team

An update on the work of the Marie Collins Foundation, recent achievements, and ongoing work.

• End to End Encryption - a binary debate?

A discussion around end to end encryption including an initial overview of what it is, the context of the debate between privacy and the protection of children, and how we can move forward to find a solution that works for both. The panel discussion will include presentations from:

Vic Baines, Visiting Fellow at Bournemouth University where her research interests include online safety policy, the future of cybercrime and security rhetoric. Vic will start the discussion with an explanation of end to end encryption, and an overview of the current issues within the debate.

Mallory Knodel, Chief Technology Officer, Center for Democracy and Technology will speak about the challenges of any changes made to E2EE on a person’s privacy and free expression, and any ‘green shoots’ that may be growing for a solution that can accommodate both sides of the argument.

Hany Farid, Professor at the University of California will talk about some of the current tools employed in the identification of child sexual abuse material online and whether these can be used and still maintain the integrity of E2EE. Hany will also give his perspective on the possibility of consensus in the future.

This will conclude with a question and answer session where participants will be able to pose questions to the panel, stimulate discussion and leave with a better understanding of some of the complex issues around this topic and the relevance of this to child protection today.