- Denmark leads EU member states in advocating for mandatory AI scanning of photos and links on platforms like WhatsApp and Signal for potential child pornography.
- If the AI has any doubt, user data (photo, location, phone number) is reported to an 'EU Centre,' Europol, and local police, potentially leading to questioning abroad.
- The regulation requires reporting unless 'manifestly unfounded,' a low bar that risks over-reporting, especially affecting young-looking people or those with children.
- Even cleared photos may be permanently stored in the EU Centre's database for unspecified future use.
- Users may lose ability to share images and links if they deny AI scanning permission; Signal has threatened to leave the EU over this law.
- The proposal has recently reintroduced AI scanning; once reported, photos are seen by at least four entities: Meta, EU Centre, Europol, and local police.
- Experts and police argue they are overwhelmed, yet politicians often allocate resources to surveillance rather than supporting vice police with training and resources.
- This surveillance system, powered by American companies, risks mission creep as history shows such capabilities expand; governments exempt their own police and military from the law.
- Germany's potential support could make this law a reality, despite opposition from intelligence agencies citing national security concerns.