Imagine sending a private message to a friend or sharing family photos, only to know they’re automatically being scanned by government-mandated systems. This is the reality the European Union’s proposed Chat Control law could bring.
This controversial legislation would require all digital communications—messages, photos, videos, and files—to be scanned for illegal material. It wouldn’t matter if you’re suspected of a crime or not. Even secure, encrypted services would be forced to introduce backdoors so authorities could monitor content.
A Threat to Privacy and Security
At its core, Chat Control turns private communication into monitored communication. That’s a direct blow to fundamental rights guaranteed under the EU Charter, including the right to privacy (Article 7) and the protection of personal data (Article 8).
But it’s not just about privacy. By weakening or breaking encryption, the law would create vulnerabilities that hackers, criminals, and hostile governments could exploit. Sensitive personal information—medical records, financial data, and intimate conversations—would no longer be safe.
Why It Won’t Protect Children
While the proposal is presented as a child protection measure, many experts disagree. Organisations, including the United Nations, have warned that this form of mass surveillance could actually harm child safety by diverting resources from effective protection strategies. Meanwhile, offenders would simply move to hidden, unmonitored channels, leaving ordinary citizens exposed.
Risk of False Accusations
The technology used to detect illegal material is far from perfect. False positives are common, meaning innocent people could face life-altering accusations based on harmless content flagged by automated systems.
A Global Precedent
If the EU adopts Chat Control, it could encourage authoritarian governments to justify their own mass surveillance systems. This would put freedom of expression, privacy, and democracy at risk worldwide.
The Current Situation
Right now, 15 EU member states support the plan, 3 are opposed, and 9 remain undecided—including Germany, whose decision could tip the balance.
What You Can Do Right Now
This proposal can still be stopped. Citizens across Europe are contacting their Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to demand a vote against Chat Control.
You can find your representatives and take action at FightChatControl.eu.
The choice is clear: either we protect the security and privacy of our communications, or we allow constant surveillance to become the new normal. Speak up now—before private conversations become a thing of the past.