Denmark is finally giving up on EU Chat Control after privacy backlash
Denmark withdrew its proposal for mandatory screening of encrypted messages, maintaining the current voluntary framework.Summary
Denmark, holding the European Council presidency, has withdrawn its proposal, known as Chat Control, which aimed to force platforms like WhatsApp and Signal to allow authorities to screen messages before encryption. This proposal, first introduced in 2022 to combat illicit content, faced strong criticism for undermining encrypted messaging and privacy rights. Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard confirmed the proposal will not be part of the EU presidency’s new compromise, keeping the screening requirement voluntary for tech companies. The current voluntary framework expires in April 2026, and Hummelgaard noted that failure to resolve the political stalemate could leave the EU without legal tools against bad actors. Tech giants, including X, and privacy advocates like the Electronic Frontier Foundation celebrated the withdrawal as a victory against mass surveillance. Activists urged lawmakers to abandon attempts to bypass encryption for public safety, arguing for solutions that respect fundamental human rights.
(Source：Cointelegraph)