A European Union proposal to scan all private messages, photos, and videos on messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram has gained significant traction this week. Set to potentially take effect in October 2025, the initiative aims to detect illegal material, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), by implementing client-side scanning on devices before encryption. The plan requires apps to forward suspicious content to law enforcement for review. Initially proposed in 2022, the legislation faced opposition but has been revived with support from 19 of the 27 EU member states, including France, Italy, Spain, and Hungary. The European Commission argues this measure enhances public safety by addressing serious crimes, while technical details involve algorithms analyzing content on users’ devices. The proposal awaits further discussion and approval, with potential amendments expected to address privacy concerns raised by critics. This development marks a significant step toward implementing large-scale digital surveillance in the EU, balancing security and privacy considerations.
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