WhatsApp opposes EU chat control regulation threatening privacy
- WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, warns that the proposed EU chat control regulation could compromise end-to-end encryption.
- The regulation aims to combat child abuse images by scanning private messages and content before encryption.
- There is widespread criticism across political factions regarding the proposal, highlighting ongoing debates in the EU.
In Germany, WhatsApp, a popular messaging service used by approximately three-quarters of the population, has openly opposed the proposed EU regulation related to chat control. This proposal would enable governments to scan private messages and photos sent through messaging services like WhatsApp for illegal content, particularly depictions of child abuse, before they are encrypted. A spokesperson from Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, criticized the proposal, stating it undermines end-to-end encryption and jeopardizes privacy and digital security. The discussion around this regulation has been ongoing for three years, with various Council presidencies failing to find an agreeable compromise among EU member states. Recently, the Danish Council presidency's new proposal is set to be discussed at an ambassador level, and if a consensus is reached, national ministers could vote as early as next week. There remains considerable skepticism and criticism about the proposed chat control across all political factions, indicating that significant debates lie ahead before any final decision is made.