Experts warn that EU plan to require messaging apps to scan for CSAM could result in millions of false positives

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European Union lawmakers are facing backlash from security and privacy experts over a controversial proposal to require messaging platforms to scan private communications for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The open letter, signed by 270 experts, warns that the plan could result in millions of false positives per day, undermining Internet security and privacy.

The EU proposal, which has been in the works for two years, would not only require platforms to scan for known CSAM but also use unspecified technologies to detect unknown CSAM and grooming activity. Critics argue that this approach is technologically impossible and will not effectively protect children from abuse.

Despite efforts by MEPs to revise the proposal to limit scanning to suspected individuals and known CSAM, the European Council has yet to take a position. The latest amendments proposed by the Council still fail to address fundamental flaws in the plan, according to the experts.

The letter highlights the potential for billions of users to be affected by false alarms due to detection errors, with platforms like WhatsApp potentially facing millions of false positives daily. The experts also criticize proposals to categorize messaging apps as high-risk, noting that this could impact a wide range of services.

Furthermore, the experts emphasize that detection in end-to-end encrypted services undermines encryption protection, calling the proposal an oxymoron. They warn that the consequences of the current approach could be catastrophic, setting a precedent for Internet filtering and negatively impacting democracies worldwide.

As discussions continue within the EU, the experts urge lawmakers to reconsider the proposal and prioritize the protection of privacy and security for all Internet users. The future of online communication and digital privacy hangs in the balance as the EU grapples with the implications of the CSAM-scanning regulation.

Team@GQN.