A controversial European Union proposal dubbed “Chat Control” is regaining momentum, with 19 out of 27 EU member states reportedly backing the measure.
The plan would mandate that messaging platforms, together with WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, should scan each message, photograph and video despatched by customers beginning in October, even when end-to-end encryption is in place, widespread French tech blogger Korben wrote on Monday.
Denmark reintroduced the proposal on July 1, the primary day of its EU Council presidency. France, as soon as opposed, is now in favor, Korben mentioned, citing Patrick Breyer, a former member of the European Parliament for Germany and the European Pirate Party.
Belgium, Hungary, Sweden, Italy and Spain are additionally in favor, whereas Germany stays undecided. However, if Berlin joins the bulk, a professional council vote might push the plan via by mid-October, Korben mentioned.
A certified majority within the EU Council is achieved when two situations are met. First, not less than 55 p.c of member states, which means 15 out of 27, should vote in favor. Second, these nations should characterize not less than 65% of the EU’s whole inhabitants.
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Pre-encryption scanning on units
Instead of weakening encryption, the plan seeks to implement client-side scanning, which means software program embedded in customers’ units that inspects content material earlier than it’s encrypted. “A bit like if the Post Office got here to learn all of your letters in your front room earlier than you place them within the envelope,” Korben mentioned.
He added that the actual goal isn’t criminals, who use encrypted or decentralized channels, however extraordinary customers whose non-public conversations would now be open to algorithmic scrutiny.
The proposal cites the prevention of kid sexual abuse materials (CSAM) as its justification. However, it might lead to “mass surveillance by the use of totally automated real-time surveillance of messaging and chats and the top of privateness of digital correspondence,” Breyer wrote.
Beyond scanning, the bundle contains necessary age verification, successfully eradicating anonymity from messaging platforms. Digital freedom teams are asking residents to contact their MEPs, signal petitions and push again earlier than the regulation turns into irreversible.
Related: Telegram founder Durov on arrest, detention in France
France faces societal collapse over censorship
Last month, Telegram founder Pavel Durov warned that France dangers societal collapse if it continues down a path of political censorship and regulatory overreach. Durov was arrested in France in August 2024 after being accused of failing to average his app to cut back criminality.
He additionally alleged that French intelligence officers approached him earlier this 12 months with requests to censor pro-conservative content material forward of the May 2025 Romanian election, a request he says he refused.
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