IrelandThe European Parliament approved measures on 9 July 2025 that would allow tech companies to scan online chats for child sex abuse material (CSAM), reducing user privacy protections. Critics call this 'chat control,' arguing it amounts to mass surveillance rather than targeted crime prevention. The measure includes a temporary derogation from privacy laws, similar to one that expired in April 2025. Major tech firms like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Snap support continued CSAM monitoring. However, an open letter signed by over 800 experts warns that detecting CSAM at scale is impractical due to accuracy issues. Concerns also exist about how law enforcement handles reported data, with evidence that some agencies retain files unnecessarily. A 2023 impact assessment suggested the proposed rules would have limited overall effectiveness.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the EU's proposal as a form of 'mass surveillance' and highlights criticisms from left-leaning groups and experts who question its feasibility and potential overreach. While the legislation itself is politically neutral, the emphasis on privacy rights and concerns about state over
