The European Union is taking steps to tackle online sexual abuse of children, but is abandoning mandatory monitoring of private messages. After years of debate, the focus remains on voluntary measures and temporary rules.
Not only does the porn industry use encrypted messages via internet and telephony channels (encryption) to distribute photos and videos, but criminals also try to keep their contacts as secret as possible.
Therefore, the European Union imposes voluntary conditions on international internet providers (like the large Big Tech companies such as Google and Facebook), but also considered introducing obligations. One such obligation would be to intercept the content of encrypted app traffic.
Critics call intercepting and opening encrypted messages an invasion of privacy; others see it as a form of protecting society. The proposal to mandate message monitoring caused blockages for a long time.
To get the stalled process moving again, a softened approach has now been chosen. Mandatory detection will not be implemented, while providers retain the option to search for forbidden material and report it.
Online services must assess risks of abuse and take measures to limit them. This involves prevention, removing detected material, and supporting victims.
Negotiations between the European ministers and the European Parliament are ongoing. Differing positions must be reconciled, ranging from strict protective measures to strong guarantees for privacy and encryption. What the final outcome will be remains unclear.