Oxford scientists create electronic ‘invisible ink’

Software that makes it impossible to eavesdrop on hidden messages has been developed by Oxford scientists.

A team at the university employed a technique called steganography, which involves hiding sensitive information inside innocuous content, like the electronic equivalent of invisible ink.

They claim their algorithm – which can embed information in photographs and even music – conceals content in a way that cannot be detected, opening the door to perfectly secure digital communications that could combat terrorism and organised crime.

It may also be used in social media and messaging to help vulnerable dissidents, journalists and aid workers.