June 20th, 2024

EU cancels vote on private chat app law amid encryption concerns

The European Union cancels vote on law targeting child sexual abuse material over encryption concerns. Proposed measures involve scanning images on messaging apps, sparking privacy debates among member states. Negotiations ongoing.

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EU cancels vote on private chat app law amid encryption concerns

The European Union has canceled a vote on a law aimed at combating child sexual abuse material due to concerns over encryption. The proposed law would require messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal to scan images and links for potential abuse material, sparking privacy and cybersecurity worries among EU countries. The draft law has faced criticism for potentially compromising end-to-end encryption and violating privacy rights. Despite efforts by the Belgian Council presidency to address concerns and move negotiations forward, disagreements persist among EU member states. The proposed measures would require users to consent to scanning of pictures and links uploaded through messaging apps, with non-compliance resulting in restrictions on sending media. While some countries advocate for stronger monitoring of online content to tackle the rise in child abuse material, others emphasize the need to protect privacy. The final version of the law will require negotiation between EU countries, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, with differing stances on privacy and law enforcement.

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By @romwell - 5 months
"Private chat app" law as in "No more private chats" law, that is.
By @Am4TIfIsER0ppos - 5 months
Yes but it will be back. Just need a bigger distraction than the sportsball. When do the olympics start?

P.S. a much larger discussion was over here https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40736771

By @1oooqooq - 5 months
i bet this is a fallout of the lobby started against matrix foundation for the many EU gov contacts they got.
By @amarcheschi - 5 months
Postponed, not canceled. It is silly to postpone a vote just because it wouldn't reach majority. PERHAPS it shall be canceled indefinitely (or for a long time) if it gets rejected, right? They will wait a bit and then it's going to be voted again