Privacy advocates are welcoming Denmark’s decision to withdraw its proposal for mandatory message scanning on platforms such as Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp.
Denmark, currently holding the European Council presidency, had suggested legislation that would require these messaging services to allow authorities to screen messages before they are encrypted and sent.
With Denmark’s withdrawal, the system will remain voluntary, leaving tech companies with the choice to implement message scanning.
The measure, known as Chat Control, was originally introduced in May 2022 as part of the EU’s efforts to curb the spread of illegal and illicit content online.
A revised version of Chat Control surfaced earlier this year, reigniting debate over the potential erosion of encrypted messaging and citizens’ right to privacy.
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Author summary: Denmark drops EU chat control plan.