EU's Encryption Debate Intensifies Over Child Abuse Fight
The EU's draft regulation has sparked a heated debate over privacy and security. It proposes allowing content checks on encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and Threema. However, this has faced strong opposition from tech companies and privacy advocates.
The EU wants to combat child sexual abuse by introducing an opt-out option for AI agents on the developer level. This would enable content checking before encryption. However, operating system manufacturers like Microsoft, Google, and Apple would need to set up this feature.
The European Parliament has opposed these chat control plans, while the Council of Member States has a majority in favor, with Germany playing a crucial role. The EU is currently divided on the issue, with negotiations ongoing. A narrow blocking minority of EU governments temporarily halted the plan in December 2024, but a final vote is scheduled for October 14, 2025.
Signal, a popular messaging app, has strongly rejected these plans. Its head, Meredith Whittaker, criticized the EU's backdoor plans, warning that they would compromise the privacy of millions of users. Signal has even threatened to leave the European market rather than compromise its encryption and privacy guarantees.
Whittaker raised concerns about AI agents' extensive access requirements. These include permissions to access important applications and services, raising serious privacy concerns.
The EU's draft regulation on encrypted messaging apps remains a contentious issue. While some support it to combat child sexual abuse, others, including Signal and many privacy advocates, oppose it due to potential privacy breaches. Negotiations continue, with a final vote expected in October 2025.
