- EU removes mandatory client-side scanning in latest update
- Age verification and voluntary scanning still included
- Privacy advocates see partial win, concerns remain
Client-Side Scanning Scrapped in EU’s Chat Control Law Update
In a major shift, the European Union has officially removed the controversial mandatory client-side scanning requirement from its proposed Chat Control law. This decision comes after intense backlash from privacy advocates, digital rights groups, and tech companies.
Client-side scanning would have forced apps to scan users’ private messages and media before encryption, raising serious privacy and surveillance concerns. Its removal is being hailed as a partial win for digital privacy in Europe.
However, the legislation isn’t entirely privacy-neutral yet. The latest version of the law still includes mandatory age verification checks and gives platforms voluntary powers to scan for harmful content, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Age Checks and Voluntary Scanning Remain in Force
While the most intrusive aspect of the bill has been dropped, the remaining provisions still pose significant concerns. Age verification mechanisms could potentially require users to submit sensitive personal data, raising both privacy and security risks.
The law also permits platforms to voluntarily scan messages and media for flagged content. Critics argue this could result in backdoor surveillance through “voluntary” enforcement pressure on tech firms, especially under the guise of child protection.
Some platforms may feel obligated to comply, risking a gradual slide into widespread content monitoring, even without a formal mandate.
Mixed Reactions Across Europe
Privacy advocates welcomed the removal of mandatory scanning but warned that the bill still opens the door to mass surveillance. Civil rights groups like EDRi and the European Data Protection Supervisor continue to call for stronger safeguards.
Meanwhile, child safety groups argue the law doesn’t go far enough, emphasizing the need for more proactive enforcement tools. The EU Council and Parliament are still negotiating the final details of the legislation.
As the debate continues, the updated Chat Control law represents a tense balancing act between protecting children online and preserving user privacy—a conversation that’s far from over.
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