EU now one step away from reviving private message scanning rules
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
EU proposal to scan private messages for CSAM advances to final trilogue negotiations.
After years of debate, the EU's proposed "Chat Control" regulation to mandate scanning of private messages for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is one step from adoption. The Belgian presidency secured a qualified majority among member states, pushing the file to trilogue talks with the European Parliament. Critics warn the technology would break end-to-end encryption and enable mass surveillance. Supporters argue it is necessary to protect children. The final shape of the law depends on forthcoming negotiations.
What commenters are saying
Commenters broadly oppose the proposal. One notes version 1.0 merely allows voluntary client-side scanning, while version 2.0 mandates it and bans E2EE. Several argue the "I have nothing to hide" position is naive, citing historical examples of data used against registrants. Critics call the law "fascism" and predict eventual global adoption. A few defenders say they would tolerate scanning to protect children. Sarcasm about cars recording faces and speech is pervasive.