The EU supported extension of message scanning regime - ForkLog

# EU Supports Extension of Message Scanning Regime

The European Union countries have agreed to extend the temporary message scanning regime, which allows identifying social media users suspected of distributing materials about child sexual abuse. This is reported by Euronews.

The updated initiative is being pushed by the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council. The move appears rather contentious, as in March the European Parliament voted against extending the temporary scheme.

In a note seen by journalists, the Cypriot presidency proposes that EU countries move to the first reading of the draft law on June 29.

The original regulation on preventing and combating child sexual abuse (CSAM), known as Chat Control, was adopted by the European Commission in 2022 with a validity period until April 2026. The measure was developed to deviate from some EU rules regarding the confidentiality of electronic communications, pending the adoption of long-term legislation on detecting digital crimes

European deputies warned that returning to such a control mechanism would complicate negotiations on permanent regulation

Amid the renewed discussion on privacy, the activist group Fight Chat Control called on users to file complaints with deputies and permanent representations of EU countries. They described the event as an attempt to bring back Chat Control and push for mass surveillance of citizens.

"The Chat Control proposal legalizes scanning of all private digital communications, including encrypted messages and photos. This threatens the fundamental rights to privacy and digital security of all EU citizens," the appeal states

According to the website, the initiative is supported by 23 EU member states. Only four countries opposed it — including the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Poland, and Italy.

Source: Fight Chat Control. Recall that in June, the UK government announced plans to impose restrictions on the use of social networks for citizens under 16.