Czech government backs EU chat‑control exemption, bans school phones

The Czech Republic supported an amended EU exemption that allows voluntary monitoring of online communications to combat illegal content, particularly child sexual abuse. The amendment excludes end‑to‑end encrypted services such as WhatsApp and Signal, and interior minister Lubomír Metnar said the original Commission proposal for a stricter "Chat Control 2" was unacceptable.

At the same time, the Czech government approved a ban on mobile phones and other electronic devices in schools. Officials argue the restriction will protect children’s wellbeing and reduce cyber‑bullying, but experts stress that education for children and parents, as well as broader regulation of technology firms, will be needed to make the measure effective.