The European Union is facing massive criticism over a controversial plan that would allow automatic scanning of private messages on apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Messenger.
The initiative, officially titled the Regulation on Preventing and Combating Child Sexual Abuse, is set to be discussed by the EU Council next Tuesday in Brussels.
While the Commission insists the proposal aims to curb the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), critics warn that it could effectively give authorities the power to read encrypted private conversations — a move described by some as “Stasi 2.0.”
What exactly is planned?
Under the latest draft dated October 3, messaging providers such as Meta (WhatsApp), Signal, and others would be required to scan images and videos for illegal content before encryption.
If potentially incriminating material is detected, it would be automatically reported to EU authorities for review.
So far, only text messages and voice recordings would remain exempt — but experts fear this exclusion might not last long.
Who supports the plan?
The initiative reportedly originated from Denmark, where the government has been strongly advocating for EU-wide enforcement.
Several other member states have expressed support, arguing that tech companies must do more to protect children online.
Critics warn of mass surveillance
Opposition to the regulation is growing rapidly. Privacy advocates, digital associations, and even law enforcement officials warn that the proposal could undermine fundamental rights and open the door to state surveillance.
Bernhard Rohleder, CEO of the IT association Bitkom, said authorities need “better technology and more trained experts to track down offenders, not blind data scanning.”
Joachim Türk, vice president of the Child Protection Association, cautioned that “investigators are already overwhelmed with massive amounts of data” and that such scanning would divert resources away from prevention and active policing.
Police union head Rainer Wendt warned that “chat monitoring, by anyone, marks the end of privacy and democracy,” stressing that even professionals like journalists or union leaders depend on confidential communication.
Moritz Körner, a liberal MEP from Germany’s FDP, went even further, calling the EU plan “Stasi 2.0” — a direct reference to East Germany’s secret police — and said it would destroy digital privacy across the EU.
Germany holds the key
The proposal’s future now largely depends on Germany’s position within the EU Council.
The German CDU/CSU parliamentary group announced this week that it opposes the chat control law, signaling that Berlin could block or delay the regulation.
Messaging apps threaten to withdraw from the EU
The backlash isn’t limited to politics. Tech companies have also voiced strong opposition.
Meredith Whittaker, president of the Signal Foundation, stated that if the EU forces platforms to compromise their encryption, Signal would “rather leave the European market than break user privacy.”
The EU Council is expected to hold a crucial vote on Tuesday, but with public pressure mounting, it remains uncertain whether the plan will pass in its current form.
