LARGE numbers of women are still being subjected to “digital strip-searches” despite a government pledge to overhaul how rape cases are investigated, the data watchdog has found. 

In a report published today, Information Commissioner John Edwards calls for the criminal justice sector to end immediately the practice of collecting vast amounts of digital information, including through phone analysis, from victims. 

Mr Edwards said: “Our investigation reveals an upsetting picture of how victims of rape and serious sexual assault feel treated.