Internet Watch Foundation and Elliptic Partner to Combat Illegal Use of Bitcoin

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has announced a partnership with blockchain startup Elliptic to combat child sexual abuse online.

Along with the announcement, the UK charity provided the startup with data on Bitcoin addresses associated with sexual abuse content. In turn, Elliptic will use this information to “alert financial institutions and law enforcement” of any support for illegal activity.

IWF chief executive Susie Hargreaves said her organisation believed criminals were increasingly using bitcoin to distribute child sexual abuse material, which led to the action.

Mark Birch, consultant and principal of the company, believes that this collaboration is very positive for Bitcoin and the Bitcoin community.

“ Elliptic’s collaboration with the IWF represents an important step forward for the development of Bitcoin,” said Birch. “Elliptic has demonstrated to banks, law enforcement, and the public that they are taking meaningful steps to eliminate the illicit use of Bitcoin.”

The announcement is the latest news for the bitcoin startup, following its $5 million raise in March.