European Parliament Restores Voluntary CSAM Scanning Powers Until 2028
Summary
The European Parliament restored legal cover for tech companies to voluntarily scan for CSAM until 2028. Critics warn of privacy risks, while a possible permanent framework could extend scanning to encrypted communications.
Key points
- The European Parliament restored a rule allowing voluntary scans of users’ messages for child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
- The rule gives companies including Google, Microsoft, and Meta legal cover to continue scanning until 2028.
- The provision expired in April after lawmakers failed to agree on its renewal; the article says the current rule does not permit scanning on encrypted platforms such as Signal.
- The measure passed through an unusual procedure requiring an absolute majority to block it, despite more present lawmakers opposing than supporting it.
- A separate proposed permanent framework, referred to by insiders as “Chat Control 2.0,” could extend scanning to encrypted communications, according to a policy adviser.
Article Details
- Event Type
- European Parliament vote restoring a temporary legal basis for voluntary CSAM scanning by technology companies.
- Impact
- Google, Microsoft, and Meta have legal cover to continue voluntary CSAM scans until 2028. Critics warn the measure threatens privacy; the article describes scanning of encrypted communications as a possible future expansion, not a current requirement.
People
Catherine De BolleThe Europol executive director advocated enabling online service providers to continue detecting and reporting suspected CSAM.Rand HammoudThe article cites Hammoud's criticism of the vote's procedural efforts in a blog post from the Center for Democracy and Technology.Roberta MetsolaThe article says the European Parliament President urgently prioritized renewing the voluntary CSAM-scanning rule.Simeon de BrouwerA policy adviser at European Digital Rights, de Brouwer warned that a future, more expansive version of the law could require scanning encrypted communications and hosted content.
Vendors
GoogleThe European Parliament has voted to restore voluntary CSAM scanning powers for major tech companies, giving firms like Google, Microsoft, and Meta legal cover to continue message checks until 2028.MetaThe European Parliament has voted to restore voluntary CSAM scanning powers for major tech companies, giving firms like Google, Microsoft, and Meta legal cover to continue message checks until 2028.MicrosoftThe European Parliament has voted to restore voluntary CSAM scanning powers for major tech companies, giving firms like Google, Microsoft, and Meta legal cover to continue message checks until 2028.