Crypto news

EU countries have once again intensified discussions on extending the temporary regime for scanning messages. This mechanism, aimed at identifying social media users suspected of distributing materials on child sexual abuse, has once again become the center of political confrontation.

The updated initiative is being lobbied by the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council. The move appears particularly controversial given that in March the European Parliament voted against extending this temporary scheme, highlighting a deep divide in approaches to digital security and privacy.

In a memo obtained by journalists, the Cypriot presidency proposes that member states move to the first reading of the bill on June 29. This is an attempt to revive the infamous Chat Control regulation, adopted by the European Commission in 2022. Its validity expires in April 2026, and it was originally developed as a temporary measure allowing derogations from strict electronic communications confidentiality rules until permanent legislation is adopted.

MEPs have warned that a return to such a control mechanism would only complicate already tense negotiations on creating long-term regulation. Against this backdrop, the activist group Fight Chat Control called on citizens to take action, describing the developments as a direct attempt to legalize mass surveillance of all users.

"The Chat Control proposal legalizes the scanning of all private digital communications, including encrypted messages and photos. This threatens the fundamental rights to privacy and digital security of all EU citizens," the activists' statement reads.

According to data from the initiative's website, 23 member states support the extension idea. Only four countries opposed it: Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, and Italy. This balance of power shows that, despite loud protests from privacy advocates, the EU administrative apparatus is inclined to move toward increased control.

Notably, amid this discussion, the UK government recently announced plans to introduce restrictions on social media use for citizens under 16. This demonstrates a global trend: states are increasingly intruding into digital space under the pretext of protecting children, but the price of this intervention is a fundamental threat to privacy for everyone.

My comment: The situation with Chat Control is a vivid example of how good intentions can become a tool for creating a system of total surveillance. The crypto community and privacy advocates must understand: if such regulation is adopted, it will hit not only traditional social networks but also decentralized platforms and end-to-end encrypted messengers. This would set a precedent that could reshape the rules of the game for the entire digital ecosystem.