A senior federal police officer says the problem of online child sexual exploitation is escalating. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS

Horrific online sexual exploitation and physical abuse of children is getting worse as authorities concede they are struggling to protect vulnerable kids.

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Federal police made the shock admission at a Senate inquiry on Wednesday, conceding they were "one step behind" pedophiles due to technology advancements.

A disturbing rise in exploitation cases was revealed as senior officers and child protection workers were grilled over incidents of abusers targeting

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