EU support scanning of audio communications | May 16,2023
Channel: Hacking Space Frontier
Date: 2023-05-16

The EU Council of Ministers is considering expanding the scanning of private messages to audio communications as part of a proposed law to fight child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A document dated 12 May and seen by EURACTIV shows that there is a "clear majority" of member states that supports the inclusion of audio communications in the regulation's scope. However, experts warn that the implications of extending the scope of detection orders to audio are potentially far-reaching, including negative impacts on the privacy and security of conversations, and potential confusion over whether the scanning would cover voice messages or phone calls. The proposed law would empower judicial authorities to issue detection orders on communication services at risk of being used to disseminate CSAM.