Chat Control Proposal Advances Despite Rising Opposition in Europe

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Chat Control Proposal Advances Despite Rising Opposition in Europe

By CircleID Reporter
August 30, 2025, 7:28 am PDT Views: 24,408 Add Comment

An EU proposal to scan encrypted messages for child abuse material sparks debate over privacy and security.

Support for the European Union’s contentious Chat Control legislation—designed to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM)—remains strong, yet a rising chorus of opposition now threatens to complicate its path to adoption.

The proposed regulation, formally known as the Danish version of the CSAM scanning law, mandates all messaging platforms to screen user content, including encrypted messages, for illegal material. If passed, implementation could begin as early as October 2025. However, the bill has drawn mounting criticism for jeopardising digital privacy and weakening encryption, a core pillar of secure communications.

Encryption threat: Belgium and the Czech Republic recently joined Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland in opposing the proposal, with Belgian officials branding the measure “a monster that invades your privacy.” Their objections focus on the legislation’s requirement for mandatory scanning, which experts argue would render encryption effectively useless and expose users to increased cyber vulnerabilities. Military and government communications would, notably, remain exempt.

Majority backing: Despite these reservations, a majority of member states—15 at present—still back the proposal. France, Italy, Spain, and Sweden count among its supporters. Meanwhile, Germany, a potential swing vote, is reportedly considering abstention, which could weaken the proposal’s political legitimacy even if it technically secures enough support.

The EU Council is expected to finalise its position on September 12, ahead of a decisive vote on October 14. With only seven countries yet to declare a stance, the coming weeks will prove pivotal. If approved, the legislation could mark a profound shift in how Europe balances child protection with the fundamental right to private communication.

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By CircleID Reporter — CircleID’s internal staff reporting on news tips and developing stories. Do you have information the professional Internet community should be aware of? Contact us.
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