EU Faces Crucial Decision on Child Protection vs. Privacy

EU countries are debating whether protecting children online justifies scanning private messages, as officials meet Wednesday in Brussels over a controversial legislative proposal to combat child sexual abuse material.

The initiative, first proposed by the European Commission in May 2022, would require online platforms and messaging services to detect and report abusive images, videos, and attempts by predators to contact minors. While supported by child protection groups, critics warn it could infringe on privacy and civil liberties.

Germany and several EU data protection authorities have raised concerns about the use of technology to scan private conversations, including encrypted apps such as Signal and WhatsApp. Activists fear the law could be misused by authoritarian regimes to monitor political opponents. Messaging platforms have also opposed the plan.

Denmark, which currently holds the EU presidency, says the proposal contains safeguards: only images and links—not text messages—would be scanned, and the system would operate only under judicial or administrative approval. European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert emphasized that “there is no general monitoring of online communications” and that the goal is to protect children.

Germany’s position will likely determine the proposal’s fate. Support from Berlin could allow the measure to pass under EU qualified majority rules, leading to formal adoption next week in Luxembourg. Opposition or abstention from Germany would delay the initiative, potentially requiring further negotiations.