EU extends CSAM rules until April 2026
MEPs have endorsed a temporary extension of the current e-Privacy derogation, allowing internet platforms to voluntarily detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. With 469 in favor, 112 against, and 37 abstentions, the extension is set to remain in effect until April 3, 2026.
The aim is to facilitate the establishment of a long-term legal framework to prevent and combat child sexual abuse online. Additionally, there will be a focus on harmonizing reporting practices concerning the voluntary measures taken by companies to identify such material, addressing the current inconsistency in reporting that hinders effective assessment of the existing laws’ impact.
Rapporteur Birgit Sippel, representing the Socialists and Democrats party from Germany, emphasized the importance of combating child sexual abuse online and stressed the necessity of utilizing technology to detect such material. The tight deadline set for the derogation’s expiration serves as a strategic move to push the Council into adopting a position on permanent regulations swiftly. Sippel highlighted the inadequacy of one-time solutions compared to enduring measures and urged for collaborative efforts between the Council and MEPs to establish permanent rules addressing this critical issue. The extension of the derogation is crucial to avoid a legal vacuum as the current temporary exemption from EU privacy legislation is due to expire in August 2024.
The provisional agreement reached by MEPs requires formal adoption by the Council to become law, ensuring continuity in combatting online child sexual abuse. The Parliament has already taken a stance on permanent regulations for preventing and addressing this issue, awaiting the Council’s agreement on its negotiating mandate. This extension not only provides a temporary solution but also puts pressure on decision-makers to prioritize the establishment of comprehensive and enduring measures to safeguard children online. The harmonization of reporting practices will contribute to a more cohesive approach in assessing and addressing the impact of current laws on combating child sexual abuse material online.
Source: Child sexual abuse online: current rules extended until April 2026 | News | European Parliament
