- EU member states, led by Denmark, support mandatory scanning of images and links shared in chat apps like WhatsApp and Signal.
- AI will automatically scan content; if it suspects child pornography, your photo, location, phone number, and other info will be reported to Europol and local police.
- The consequences after reporting are unclear, but users may face unexpected police questioning abroad about their shared content.
- AI systems will be created and deployed by chat app companies, monitoring users on behalf of the EU.
- All content must be reported unless there is a 'manifestly unfounded' reason, meaning no substantial legal or factual analysis is needed.
- Even if a reported case is found innocent, a copy of the file will be retained in a database for future investigations.
- If the regulation passes, apps like WhatsApp will ask for permission to access all your shared photos and links, and their AI will autonomously decide whether to alert authorities.
- Police and child exploitation experts are already overwhelmed by the number of reports, yet politicians often fail to provide more resources for enforcement.
- The proposal creates a massive surveillance hub run by US corporations or third parties, which could later be used for other exploitative purposes.
- Governments have conveniently exempted their own security services, police, and military from the regulation.
- Germany is expected to support the proposal, likely making it law, and other governments are also backing it despite known risks.
- The text urges citizens to contact their representatives in the Bulgarian and European parliaments to voice their opinion.