Could well-intentioned efforts to combat child sexual abuse pave the way for unprecedented surveillance in the European Union?

That is the question at the heart of a heated debate over a draft law that could be adopted during a meeting of EU ministers. The law would mandate messaging services to automatically scan messages for potential child sexual abuse material in the EU.

Supporters argue that the law is crucial to address the rise in child sexual abuse material and protect vulnerable members of society. However, opponents, including 344 researchers from 34 countries, warn that such measures could infringe on citizens’ privacy rights and encryption protection.

Legal experts echo these concerns, highlighting the encroachment on fundamental rights outlined in the EU Charter. The proposal raises questions about the efficacy of AI-powered scanning technology, potential false positives, and the risk of mission creep. If passed, the law would undergo closed-door negotiations among EU bodies, with some countries already expressing reservations.