The European Union is grappling with a contentious proposal that pits child protection against privacy, sparking intense debate among lawmakers, messaging apps, and child protection groups. The proposal, which aims to combat child sexual abuse material online, would require online platforms and messaging services to detect and report images and videos of abuse, as well as attempts by predators to contact minors. However, critics argue that this approach poses a disproportionate threat to privacy and could undermine end-to-end encryption.
Proponents of the proposal, including the European Commission, argue that it is essential to protect children from online abuse. They point to a report by the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation, which found that 62% of child sexual abuse material identified internationally last year was hosted on servers within the EU. The Commission’s spokesperson emphasized that the proposal is not about general monitoring of online communications but rather about protecting children from a terrible crime.
On the other hand, opponents, including the EU’s data protection authorities, lawmakers, and countries like Germany, warn that the proposal could have far-reaching consequences for privacy and security. They argue that the technology would scan private conversations, including on encrypted apps like Signal and WhatsApp, which could spell the end of secrecy of correspondence. This has sparked concerns about the potential for abuse and the impact on whistleblowers.
The fate of the proposal hangs in the balance, with Germany’s position crucial in determining the outcome. If Berlin backs the proposal, it would likely push it past the post under the EU’s qualified majority voting rules. However, if Germany abstains or remains opposed, it would send negotiators back to the drawing board, with no certainty that the text will eventually become law.
