chat control (CSAM regulation)

German MEP Patrick Breyer has published an update on the EU's chat control negotiations, saying a 'dirty deal' to legalise mass scanning of private communications failed to materialise. He credits pressure from civil society for the outcome. The good news is tempered, however, as Breyer indicates the proposal to scan citizens' private messages for illegal content is not off the table, and debates over the CSAM regulation continue in Brussels.

The EU's Chat Control proposal, which would require messaging platforms to scan private communications for illegal content, is being debated again in EU institutions. Privacy advocates and digital rights campaigners, including MEP Patrick Breyer, are mobilising opposition, directing people to the fightchatcontrol.eu campaign site. Critics argue the measure would undermine end-to-end encryption and privacy for all EU citizens, while supporters push it as a child protection tool.