June 18, 2024 at 06:28PM
The EU Council is set to vote on a proposal to prevent online dissemination of child sexual abuse material, requiring internet providers to scan digital communication for illegal content. This includes client-side scanning on users’ devices. Companies like Signal and Threema oppose the plan, citing risks to encryption, privacy, and data security. MEPs have also urged rejection of the proposal.
It seems that the EU Council is set to vote on a legislative proposal called Chat Control, which aims to protect children online by preventing the dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through online communication. This proposal involves client-side scanning, whereby content on individuals’ devices is analyzed for unlawful material before encryption and transmission.
However, there is significant opposition to this proposal, with concerns raised about its potential impact on encryption and privacy. Opponents argue that implementing client-side scanning could create vulnerabilities in core infrastructure and undermine encryption, leading to global implications. Various organizations and professionals, including Signal, Threema, and Members of Parliament, have expressed concerns about the impact of such measures on data security, confidentiality, and human rights in the digital space.
It’s worth noting that similar proposals are being considered in the US and the UK, but there are challenges and uncertainties around the feasibility and implications of implementing content scanning requirements. The meeting notes also highlight the reluctance of some companies to comply with such regulations, as evidenced by Signal’s threat to withdraw its app from the UK if encryption is disallowed.
Overall, the notes reflect a contentious debate surrounding the balance between protecting children online and safeguarding privacy and encryption, with various stakeholders voicing strong opposition to the proposed measures.