Key facts
- The EU's 'Chat Control 1.0' allows voluntary scanning of private digital communications for child abuse material.
- Chat Control 1.0 has been extended by MEPs until April 2028.
- The proposed 'Chat Control 2.0' would mandate scanning of all private digital conversations, including encrypted ones.
- Privacy advocates warn that mandatory scanning could lead to mass surveillance and false positives.
- The EU Commission has reported a significant increase in online child sexual abuse reports.
The European Union is navigating the complex balance between child protection online and data privacy with its 'Chat Control' regulations. 'Chat Control 1.0,' operational since 2021, permits messaging platforms to voluntarily scan private digital communications and emails for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This interim measure, which excludes end-to-end encrypted services, has been extended by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) until April 2028.
The EU Commission has reported a substantial rise in online child sexual abuse reports, prompting discussions for more robust measures. Meanwhile, co-legislators are negotiating 'Chat Control 2.0,' a proposed permanent regulation that would mandate scanning of all private digital conversations, including encrypted ones. Privacy advocates and technical experts contend that such mandatory scanning would constitute mass surveillance, violate data protection laws, and lead to unreliable false positives.