56% Of All Cybercrime Prosecutions in the UK Involve Police Officers Misusing Data Access
And the victims are disproportionately women.
A recent paper by Alice Hutchings highlighted that currently 56% of all Cybercrime prosecutions in the UK are perpetrated by police officers misusing their access to data.
The report also shows that women are disproportionately targeted. It’s further evidence of a systemic issue within a police force already criticised for misogyny, repeated scandals, and a refusal to reform.
The British Government's Response? Weaken Encryption
Rather than tackling this issue through accountability and oversight. The British government continues to push for policies that weaken encryption on personal storage and messaging apps. Making abuse of power easier, and placing marginalised groups at greater risk.
Hutchings report underscores why strong encryption is not just a technical concern; it's a fundamental safeguard against institutional abuse of power.
Encryption Must Stand Strong
When those entrusted with data misuse their power, the solution is stronger protections, not fewer. Weakening encryption undermines individual safety and privacy.
The priority must be to strengthen safeguards, not dismantle them.
