
BRUSSELS – National governments can mandate companies to eliminate content associated with or searchable for child pornography from their platforms. Noncompliance could lead to penalties.
The Netherlands opposed the legislation, influenced by the House of Representatives, which recently voiced concerns about privacy issues. The House fears that monitoring for child pornography could extend to private messages on platforms like WhatsApp and Signal.
A significant majority among member states was required for the law’s adoption, making the Netherlands’ support unnecessary. France notably championed the law amidst recent controversies over the sale of child-like sex dolls on the online retailer Shein.
The current bill specifies that digital companies are not obligated to scan for child pornography; however, they have the option to do so voluntarily.
An EU Center for the Sexual Abuse of Children will be established to aid member states and tech firms in executing the law. This center will also provide support to victims of child pornography and share information with national police and Europol.
The law still requires approval from the European Parliament before it can be implemented.
(November 26, 2025)













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