Denmark scales back 'chat control' after EU-wide opposition
Denmark is scaling back 'chat control' after widespread controversy. A proposal to oblige online platforms to scan private messages for images of child abuse will be made voluntary instead. The decision was announced by Danish Justice minister Peter Hummelgaard on Thursday evening.
The European Commission launched the Regulation to Prevent and Combat Child Sexual Abuse (CSAR), commonly known as 'chat control' in 2022. Denmark, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, has made the protection of minors on the internet one of its focal points, and hopes to find an agreement before the end of the year.
However, earlier in its presidency, Denmark reinstated a proposal to require platforms and messaging services to use detection technology, including on encrypted apps such as Signal and WhatsApp, as part of CSAR. That decision sparked major controversy across the EU due to privacy concerns.
Several member states, including Germany, have described the plan as "disproportionate". Justice minister Stefanie Hubig has said that "chat control without cause should be taboo in a constitutional state". The European Parliament has also voiced strong opposition to the measure.
Universal opposition in Belgium
Belgium has not yet taken an official position on chat control. During a recent debate in the Chamber, Interior minister Bernard Quintin stressed the need for "a balanced and proportionate solution" that protects both privacy and the fight against child abuse.
Notably, not a single political party expressed support for the proposal during that debate. Open VLD MP Kjell Vander Elst called the measure "totally disproportionate," while Vlaams Belang’s Barbara Pas said it would lead "straight to a totalitarian control state".
Denmark maintains that safeguards are included: only after judicial approval could a chat service be required to screen users’ images, with text messages excluded from detection. But N-VA MP Jeroen Bergers argued that even then, the measure remains "a flagrant violation of privacy and letter secrecy".
Voluntary screenings
Due to the widespread opposition, the Danish presidency has now decided to back away from the controversial measure. Screening for images of child abuse would be voluntary rather than mandatory, Euractiv reported on Thursday evening.
With this change, Denmark hopes to reach an agreement, as time is running out to adopt new legislation. A transitional arrangement, under which internet platforms voluntarily screen for the dissemination of child sexual abuse material, expires in April next year.
Danish Justice minister Peter Hummelgaard. PHOTO © Emil Nicolai Helms / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP
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