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EU Weighs 'Chat Control' Scanning Law as Germany's Vote Looms

A grassroots email blitz coupled with tech pushback has turned the Danish child‑protection proposal into a test of Europe’s stance on private messaging.

Messaging apps are alarmed by an EU proposal to scan private conversations in order to root out child sexual abuse images

Overview

  • The Danish Council draft would initially require detection of images and links tied to child sexual abuse material, with activation only after an independent judicial or administrative decision, according to EU officials.
  • EU ambassadors meet this week ahead of an Oct. 14 ministerial vote that could advance or stall the proposal, with Germany’s position widely viewed as decisive under qualified‑majority rules.
  • Signal said it would leave the European market if scanning is mandated, while WhatsApp and other platforms criticized the plan as incompatible with end‑to‑end encryption.
  • A viral campaign run through the Fight Chat Control website has triggered several million emails to officials, prompting automated replies and forcing national capitals to address public concerns.
  • Germany’s stance remained in focus, with AFP reporting it could be set within hours and The Register citing a CDU lawmaker saying the government would oppose the measure.