Berlin (dpa) – WhatsApp, widely used by approximately three-quarters of the German population, is firmly against the proposed chat control in the EU. A spokesperson for Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, stated to Netzpolitik.org, “Despite assertions to the contrary, the latest EU Council proposal undermines end-to-end encryption, threatening the privacy, freedom, and digital security of everyone.”
Criticism – but no immediate withdrawal threat
“We continue to champion enhanced security and urge governments worldwide to follow suit,” the Meta spokesperson emphasized. Recently, Signal’s CEO, Meredith Whittaker, indicated that her company might exit the European market if new EU regulations render private, encrypted communications unfeasible. In contrast, the Meta representative did not specify WhatsApp’s potential reaction to the introduction of chat control.
The debate surrounding chat control centers on a proposed EU regulation aimed at curbing the spread of child abuse imagery. This regulation would permit the scanning of private messages and images from messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or Threema for illegal content prior to encryption and transmission, primarily targeting suspected child abuse material.
Whittaker likened the EU initiative to an effort to create a backdoor into messaging services, asserting in a conversation with the German Press Agency that “End-to-end encryption protects the privacy of millions, often in life-threatening contexts.” Consequently, Signal opposes chat control.
Threema also opposes chat control
Threema, a Swiss messaging service popular in Germany, shares a similar stance against the proposal from the Danish Council presidency. Spokesperson Philipp Rieger told Netzpolitik.org, “We firmly oppose mass surveillance in any form.”
The European Union has been debating the relevant regulations for three years, with various Council presidencies previously failing to reach a compromise acceptable to enough member states.
If a majority in support of the proposal is reached, an agreement with the European Parliament will still be necessary. However, chat control has been met with significant skepticism across all political groups, and efforts have been made to amend the original proposal.
New proposal may be voted on next week
The new proposal from the Danish Council presidency will be discussed among EU nations at the ambassadorial level this week. If consensus is achieved, the responsible ministers could vote on it early next week. However, several countries, including Germany, have not yet established a definitive stance. The opinions of larger member states are particularly influential and crucial to the outcome. (October 6)
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