On July 6, 2021, the European Union voted on the new “ChatControl” proposal. With a shocking number of 537 Members of the European Parliament voting in favor, 133 voting against and 20 abstentions, it was approved. The proposal was put forward under the banner of “emergency measures” and it allows internet companies to scan users’ private messages for material containing child sex abuse. This controversial decision is supposed to fix problems with the European Electronics Communications Code, which came into force last December.
The so called “e-Privacy Interim Regulation” (2020/0259(COD)) would require online messenger and email service providers to automatically scan private message content in real time for suspicious text and image content using error-prone artificial intelligence. All suspicious cases identified by AI would be automatically disclosed to investigative authorities in the EU, without the individuals concerned knowing about it. This is intended to counter the spread of child pornography on the internet.
But the EU’s plans for ChatControl have been confirmed to violate fundamental rights by a former judge of the European Court of Justice:
German Pirate Party Member of the European Parliament Patrick Breyer plans to take legal action against the regulation and is looking for victims of abuse who would file such a complainant. „Abuse victims are particularly harmed by this mass surveillance“, explains Breyer. „To be able to speak freely about the abuse they have suffered and seek help in a safe space is critical to victims of sexualised violence. depend on the possibility to communicate safely and confidentially. These safe spaces are now being taken away from them, which will prevent victims from seeking help and support.“