EU chat control – Signal threatens to withdraw

Since 2021, the European Union has been discussing a law that would regulate messenger services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal or Threema to search private chats for depictions of sexual violence against children (CSAM).

A corresponding draft was presented in 2022. The aim of the planned regulation is to protect children and young people from images of abuse online.

However, implementation would require extensive technical interventions: content would have to be checked on users' devices before it is sent in encrypted form.

This so-called client-side scanning is considered a hidden backdoor and would give authorities direct access to private messages.

Criticism of chat control grows

The plans are generating massive criticism across Europe. Civil rights organizations, IT security experts, and data protection advocates are calling for the threat of mass surveillance and an infringement of fundamental rights.

Child protection organizations also express doubts as to whether the measures would actually be effective.

◉ There is a clear majority in the European Parliament against a comprehensive chat control.

◉ In the EU Council, however, countries like Denmark appear to be pushing for rapid implementation.

◉ Germany and some other member states are currently blocking an agreement – ​​the decision-making situation remains tight.

Signal announces EU exit

The messaging provider Signal reacted particularly sharply. Meredith Whittaker, president of the Signal Foundation, repeatedly stated that the company would not install technical backdoors. If the EU insists on chat controls, Signal would leave the European market.

Netzpolitik.Org first reported on thisWhittaker emphasized: "If Signal is faced with the choice of either weakening encryption or leaving the EU, then Signal will leave the EU."

Threema also expressed similar concerns and announced that it would not cooperate in weakening the encryption if there was any doubt.

Decision in autumn 2025

The final vote on the proposed law in the EU Council is scheduled for autumn 2025. Germany will play a key role with its vote.

Whether mandatory chat control will actually be introduced is still open – but it is clear that messenger services how Signal would draw the consequences of mass surveillance and withdraw from the EU market.

Sierks Media / © Photo: Mika Baumeister, Unsplash