EU Parliament Fast-Tracks CSAM Law, Excludes Encrypted Chats from Scanning
The European Parliament is fast-tracking a vote on legislation to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but has voted to exclude end-to-end encrypted private chats from mandatory scanning. The proposed law would allow tech platforms to voluntarily scan communications for CSAM without violating EU privacy rules. The European Commission has approved Parliament’s position, but the Council of the EU must still decide whether to accept the encryption exemption. The debate pits child protection against privacy and encryption rights, with major implications for digital security across the EU.
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EU Council Approves Revival of CSAM Scanning Law Excluding Encrypted Chats
EU ambassadors agreed on Thursday to revive interim rules allowing voluntary scanning of private digital communications for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) until April 2028, accepting the European Parliament's amendment that excludes end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) chats from the scope. The law, known as 'chat control 1.0' by critics, had expired in April after MEPs refused to renew it. However, under pressure from the centre-right EPP group and the Council, the legislation was revived this summer. Despite a majority of MEPs voting against it, the law could not be dropped entirely due to procedural rules requiring an absolute majority. Instead, Parliament reduced its scope by excluding E2EE chats. With Council's approval, the law will come back into effect after formal publication. The interim measure is intended to be replaced by a permanent child sexual abuse regulation (CSAR), but negotiations remain stalled due to controversy.
EU Ambassadors Approve Revival of CSAM-Scanning Law Excluding Encrypted Chats
EU ambassadors agreed on Thursday to revive interim rules allowing voluntary scanning of private digital communications for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) until April 2028, accepting the European Parliament's amendment that excludes end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) chats from the scope. The law, known as 'chat control 1.0' by critics, had expired in April after MEPs refused to renew it. However, under pressure from the centre-right EPP group and the Council, the legislation was revived this summer. Although a majority of MEPs voted against the law, they lacked the absolute majority needed to kill it entirely, instead reducing its scope by excluding E2EE chats. The Council's approval means the law will soon come back into effect after formal publication. The interim measure is intended to be replaced by a permanent child sexual abuse regulation (CSAR), but negotiations on that remain stalled due to similar controversies.
Council Approves Return of Controversial CSAM-Scanning Law Excluding Encrypted Chats
On July 23, 2026, the Council of the European Union approved the Parliament's text for a controversial law aimed at scanning for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), notably excluding end-to-end encrypted chats from the scanning requirements. The decision marks a significant step in the legislative process, balancing child protection concerns with privacy and encryption rights. The law had previously sparked debate over potential surveillance implications, but the exclusion of encrypted communications addresses key privacy objections. The Council's nod paves the way for final adoption, though implementation details remain to be finalized.
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Commission Approves Parliament's Position on CSAM-Scanning Law
The European Commission has approved the European Parliament's position on a proposed law aimed at scanning for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The Parliament's version includes an exemption for end-to-end encrypted chats, a key point of contention. The Council of the European Union still needs to agree to this exemption for the law to proceed. This development marks a significant step in the legislative process, but final approval hinges on the Council's decision regarding the encryption exemption, which has been a major point of debate between privacy advocates and law enforcement interests.
EU Parliament Votes to Exclude Encrypted Chats from Child Sexual Abuse Material Law
The European Parliament has voted to exclude encrypted private chats from proposed legislation aimed at combating child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This move represents a significant shift in the ongoing debate over privacy versus security in digital communications. The Council of the European Union now faces a choice: either accept the Parliament's amendments, which would effectively exempt end-to-end encrypted messaging services from scanning requirements, or enter further negotiations to reconcile differences. The decision has been closely watched by tech companies, privacy advocates, and law enforcement agencies. If the Council accepts the amendments, it would mark a major victory for encryption proponents who argue that mandatory scanning undermines fundamental privacy rights. However, opponents warn it could create loopholes for criminals to exploit encrypted platforms. The legislative process now enters a critical phase as both institutions seek a compromise.
EU Parliament Votes to Exclude Encrypted Chats from Child Sexual Abuse Material Law
The European Parliament has voted to amend proposed legislation on child sexual abuse material (CSAM), moving to exclude encrypted private chats from mandatory scanning requirements. The decision represents a significant shift in the ongoing debate between privacy advocates and law enforcement priorities. The Council of the European Union now faces a choice: either accept Parliament's amendments, which would weaken the surveillance provisions, or push for further negotiations to reach a compromise. The proposed law has been highly contentious, with tech companies and privacy groups arguing that scanning encrypted messages would undermine fundamental security and privacy rights, while supporters claim it is necessary to protect children from online exploitation. The outcome will have major implications for digital privacy and encryption standards across the EU.
EU Parliament Fast-Tracks Vote on Chat-Scanning CSAM Law
The European Parliament is moving to fast-track a vote on legislation that would restore voluntary scanning powers for tech platforms to detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in private communications. Lawmakers are pushing the measure amid ongoing debates over privacy and security, aiming to balance child protection with encryption concerns. The proposed law would allow companies to voluntarily scan chats for CSAM without mandatory obligations, addressing previous legal uncertainties. The fast-track procedure signals urgency to finalize the regulation before the end of the current parliamentary term. Critics warn of potential privacy violations, while supporters argue it is necessary to combat online child exploitation.
EU Parliament Fast-Tracks Vote on Chat-Scanning CSAM Law
The European Parliament is moving to fast-track a vote on legislation that would restore voluntary scanning powers for tech platforms to detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in private communications. Lawmakers are pushing the measure amid ongoing debates over privacy and encryption, seeking a balance between child protection and digital rights. The proposed law aims to allow platforms to voluntarily scan chats for CSAM without violating EU privacy rules, addressing legal uncertainties following previous court rulings. The fast-track procedure indicates urgency, with a vote expected soon. Critics warn of potential mass surveillance implications, while supporters argue it is necessary to combat online child exploitation.