Story perspectives

EU Revisits Chat Control: Voluntary Scanning Sparks Privacy Concerns

11/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The EU Council revisits the Chat Control proposal, now making CSAM (child sexual abuse material) scanning voluntary for messaging services with exceptions, following a November 12 discussion.
The proposal has broad support but privacy advocates warn it could undermine encryption and lead to mandatory scanning of private communications.
Patrick Breyer, a digital rights jurist, warns the compromise could be a tactic to reintroduce Chat Control after opposition by several member states.

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Story summary

The EU Council revisits the Chat Control proposal, now making CSAM (child sexual abuse material) scanning voluntary for messaging services with exceptions, following a November 12 discussion.
The proposal has broad support but privacy advocates warn it could undermine encryption and lead to mandatory scanning of private communications.
Patrick Breyer, a digital rights jurist, warns the compromise could be a tactic to reintroduce Chat Control after opposition by several member states.