EU proposal to scan all private messages gains momentum

With 19 EU member states backing it, the Chat Control proposal could mandate pre-encryption message scanning on apps like WhatsApp and Signal by October.

A controversial European Union proposal dubbed “Chat Control” is regaining momentum, with 19 out of 27 EU member states reportedly backing the measure.

The plan would mandate messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, to scan every message, photo and video sent by users starting in October, even if end-to-end encryption is in place, popular French tech blogger Korben wrote on Monday.

Denmark reintroduced the proposal on July 1, the first day of its EU Council presidency. France, once opposed, is now in favor, Korben said, citing Patrick Breyer, a former Member of the European Parliament for Germany and the European Pirate Party.

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