Controversial Surveillance Proposal Gains Ground

Nineteen European Union member states have thrown their weight behind a contentious proposal that would require messaging platforms to scan all private communications. The so-called "Chat Control" initiative, reintroduced by Denmark on July 1 during its EU Council presidency, could take effect as early as October if approved.

How the Scanning Would Work

Unlike previous attempts to weaken encryption, this plan proposes client-side scanning — embedding software in users' devices to examine content before encryption. As French tech blogger Korben described it: "Like having postal workers read your letters in your living room before sealing the envelope." The measure would affect popular apps including WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram.

【Key Detail】The proposal requires support from at least 15 countries representing 65% of the EU population to pass. With France reversing its opposition and Germany still undecided, the outcome hangs in the balance.

Privacy vs Protection Debate Intensifies

Officially aimed at combating child sexual abuse material (CSAM), critics argue the plan constitutes mass surveillance. Patrick Breyer, a former European Parliament member, warns it would mean "fully automated real-time surveillance of messaging and chats and the end of privacy of digital correspondence."

——The real targets aren't criminals who use encrypted channels, but ordinary citizens whose private conversations would face algorithmic scrutiny——

Additional Measures Raise Concerns

The package includes mandatory age verification that would eliminate anonymity on messaging platforms. Digital rights groups are mobilizing opposition through petitions and lobbying efforts before potential adoption in mid-October.

【Notable Shift】France's changed position proves particularly surprising given recent tensions with tech companies. Telegram founder Pavel Durov previously warned that excessive censorship could lead to "societal collapse" in France after his own arrest there in 2024.

Technical and Ethical Questions Remain

As the debate continues, fundamental questions persist about balancing security and privacy in the digital age. Can automated scanning effectively target illegal content without compromising legitimate private communications? And what precedent might this set for government surveillance worldwide?

With the clock ticking toward October, all eyes remain on Germany's pending decision and whether digital privacy as we know it might soon change across Europe.