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The EU still wants to scan your private messages and photos (fightchatcontrol.eu)

1450 points by MrBruh · 112 days ago · 393 comments on HN

Article summary

The EU's Chat Control measure, which allows for the scanning of private messages, was not rejected by a sufficient majority of MEPs and will continue until 2028. The fight against Chat Control 2.0 is set to resume in September. The measure is opposed by some MEPs and digital rights groups, who argue it infringes on privacy. The EU parliament had previously rejected the measure, but it may be brought to a vote again.

Main themes

  • EU privacy laws
  • Chat Control measure
  • Mass surveillance
  • Digital rights
  • EU politics
  • Privacy vs security

What commenters say

  • The EU's Chat Control measure is an attempt by conservatives to undermine privacy, but it is not universally supported by all conservatives and some social democrats also back it.
  • The measure is a form of mass surveillance that infringes on individuals' right to private communication, and even 'voluntary' scanning is still a form of surveillance.
  • The EU parliament's rejection of the measure is not sufficient to stop it, as it can be brought to a vote again, and the Council, which represents national governments, also plays a role in the decision-making process.
  • The issue is not solely a left-right divide, as proponents and opponents of the measure can be found across the political spectrum, and some argue it is driven by 'the establishment' rather than a particular ideology.
  • The EU's approach to privacy is currently more respectful than that of some individual countries, such as the UK or the US, but there are efforts to change this.
  • The framing of the issue as an 'EU' problem is misleading, as it is a complex issue with different perspectives and interests at play, and the EU is not a monolithic entity.
  • Some argue that the measure is necessary for security reasons, while others believe it is a violation of fundamental rights and freedoms.
  • The role of the Council and the parliament in the EU's decision-making process can be confusing, and some argue that the system is designed to give more power to larger countries, while others see it as a necessary balance between different interests.