Brussels – EU member state representatives have reached an agreement on a proposal to combat the online distribution of child sexual abuse materials. The EU Council has reported on this development. According to CTK sources, the Czech Republic opposed the proposal, citing concerns over privacy violations related to encrypted communication. The regulation, referred to as CSAM, has faced substantial criticism and struggled to gain sufficient support for a lengthy period.
After extensive negotiations, Germany, which previously opposed the proposal, ultimately supported it. In addition to the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and the Netherlands voted against the proposal, while Italy chose to abstain. With this newly approved position, the EU Council will now engage in discussions with the European Parliament.
Markéta Gregorová, a Pirate MEP from the Greens group, expressed disappointment, stating that the outcome is disheartening for those who prioritize privacy. She criticized the Danish presidency for pushing a compromise version of the proposal, claiming it appears less invasive but effectively enables the widespread scanning of private communications. She views the “voluntary” option for online service providers to scan communications as a significant intrusion on user privacy.
During a meeting in Luxembourg last October, outgoing Czech Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan reiterated the Czech Republic’s rejection of the proposal, emphasizing the need to combat child pornography without compromising encrypted communication. (November 26)
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