EU pushes to revive controversial 'Chat Control' messaging scan regime

EU ambassadors are set to extend a temporary legal regime that permits messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Messenger to scan for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), despite the European Parliament voting against the extension in March. The proposal, driven by the Cypriot presidency of the Council and backed by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, would reopen the interim derogation that currently exempts encrypted communications from mandatory scanning.

Critics warn the move could pave the way for broader government surveillance of private messages. Former MEP Patrick Breyer described the revive as a "double attack" on encrypted services and warned that detection orders could be issued without a judicial warrant. MEP Birgit Sippel (Germany) said, "As European Parliament we were always in favour of targeted detection," while MEP Markéta Gregorová (Czechia) warned that reopening negotiations would undermine the Parliament's position. The next trilogue meeting is scheduled for 29 June, where negotiators will discuss the final permanent CSAM regulation, often dubbed "Chat Control 2.0".

Privacy advocates argue the revival threatens end‑to‑end encryption, could force mandatory age verification, and weaken protections for journalists, whistleblowers and ordinary citizens.