The IWF 2011 Annual Report is released today (26 Mar 2012) and details an alarming way that criminals are distributing access to illegal images.

Quote from the source:

Criminals intent on distributing images of children being sexually abused are finding new ways of exploiting legitimate online technology, according to the Internet Watch Foundation's (IWF) 2011 Annual Report launched today (26 March 2012).

Criminals are 'disguising' websites to appear as if they host only legal content. However, if an internet user follows a predetermined digital path which leads them to the website, they will see images and videos of children being sexually abused.

This trend has been identified by analysts at the IWF who are experts at tracking and tracing child sexual abuse content. During 2011 this technique was seen nearly 600 times.

The full report is a fantastic insight into the work of these dedicated professionals, but importantly it shows us vital statistics and information in the world of online safety.