EU renews child abuse detection powers for online platforms

The European Union has allowed online platforms to scan users' chats for child sexual abuse material, while exempting encrypted messaging services.

The renewed authorisation will remain in effect until April 2028. The EU hopes the extension will give governments and lawmakers time to agree on broader rules.

A mechanism that allowed online platforms and messaging services to voluntarily report abusive images lapsed on April 3 after governments and lawmakers disagreed over how to overhaul the system. Some online platforms had used the mechanism for years to voluntarily report child sexual abuse material and grooming messages.

Before the mechanism expired, several technology companies said they would keep taking voluntary action and scan messages when necessary.

In 2022, the European Commission proposed making it mandatory for platforms to detect and report abusive material and grooming. The proposal had strong support from many child protection groups, but it also led to a sharp privacy debate. Critics called the plan, nicknamed Chat Control, a threat to Europeans' privacy.

Nathalie Meurens, of the European Child Sexual Abuse Legislation Advocacy Group, said temporary measures cannot become the norm. She said the EU must deliver a durable legal framework that puts children's rights and safety first.

Patrick Breyer, a former member of the European Parliament and an advocate against child sex abuse material, criticised what he described as Big Tech mass surveillance. He said genuine child protection should involve targeted undercover police work against actual suspects and systematic searches for publicly accessible abuse material so it can be removed at the source.