Big Tech Slams EU Over Lapse in Child Abuse Detection Law
Major technology companies including Google, Meta, Snap, and Microsoft have condemned the European Parliament for failing to extend a temporary law that allowed automated scanning of messages for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The legal carve-out, originally established in 2021 under the EU Privacy Act, expired on April 3 without renewal due to privacy concerns raised by some lawmakers. Experts warn this regulatory gap will severely hinder detection efforts, citing a 58% drop in abuse reports during a similar lapse in 2021. While the tech giants stated they would continue voluntary scanning despite the illegality, child safety advocates argue the decision creates dangerous blind spots for predators. The EU Parliament maintains that negotiations for a permanent framework are ongoing but offered no timeline, leaving a critical protection mechanism in limbo.
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Big Tech Slams EU Over Lapse in Child Abuse Detection Law
Major technology companies including Google, Meta, Snap, and Microsoft have condemned the European Parliament for failing to extend a temporary law that allowed automated scanning of messages for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The legal carve-out, originally established in 2021 under the EU Privacy Act, expired on April 3 without renewal due to privacy concerns raised by some lawmakers. Experts warn this regulatory gap will severely hinder detection efforts, citing a 58% drop in abuse reports during a similar lapse in 2021. While the tech giants stated they would continue voluntary scanning despite the illegality, child safety advocates argue the decision creates dangerous blind spots for predators. The EU Parliament maintains that negotiations for a permanent framework are ongoing but offered no timeline, leaving a critical protection mechanism in limbo.
The Guardian