EU CSAM Scanning Law Delayed Amid Privacy Debates
European Union officials have postponed discussions on a proposed law that would mandate messaging platforms to scan photos and links for potential child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If passed, the legislation could compel popular services like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Signal to scan all user-uploaded images, potentially compromising encryption. The proposal requires support from at least 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population. However, several countries, including Germany, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, are hesitant due to cybersecurity and privacy concerns.
The law, initially introduced in 2022, aims to detect CSAM and inappropriate communications involving minors. Users would be notified about the scanning of images and links in the platforms’ terms and conditions. Those who decline could be restricted from sharing such content. Notably, accounts used for national security purposes would be exempt from the scanning requirement. Despite efforts by EU Council leaders to reach a consensus, disagreements persist among member states. The current presidency of the Council, held by Belgium, is coming to an end, raising uncertainty about the future of the proposal.
Digital rights activists and other critics have voiced opposition to the “chat control” plan, citing concerns about privacy and surveillance. While some argue that breaking encryption is necessary to combat CSAM, others, including Signal’s president Meredith Whittaker and whistleblower Edward Snowden, warn against the implications of mass surveillance. The proposal has sparked debates between advocates for child protection and defenders of privacy rights, reflecting the ongoing struggle to balance security measures with individual freedoms.
Source: EU delays decision over scanning encrypted messages for CSAM
