EU Chat Control: the ultimate tool for PM Orbán to build an authoritarian regime?
Debate continues within various European Union institutions over whether certain civil liberties may be curtailed in the name of greater security—particularly to protect children online. At the heart of the discussions is a controversial proposal, commonly dubbed ‘Chat Control’, which would allow authorities to scan messages using artificial intelligence before they are even sent. This would apply even to end-to-end encrypted services such as Telegram, Signal and WhatsApp.
What does the proposal entail—and why is it needed?
There is a broad consensus among member states—and arguably their citizens—that children must be protected against online abuse, including sexual exploitation. Messaging, image, and video-sharing platforms must therefore do everything possible to prevent such acts. The question is how this protection can be implemented.
Some politicians—such as António Tânger Corrêa, shadow rapporteur for the Patriots group, which includes Fidesz—believe the focus should be on enhancing law enforcement, international cooperation, and targeted investigative tools. However, currently under discussion is a legislative proposal, colloquially known as Chat Control, which would mandate that relevant apps scan all outgoing messages, images, videos, and audio files directly on the user’s device—before encryption—using an AI-based tool. The goal is to prevent the dissemination of child sexual abuse material.
As ever, the devil is in the detail. There are strong arguments both for and against the initiative, as well as seemingly feasible technical solutions.
- Did the Orbán cabinet want to bug German MEP with Israeli spy software?
How would Chat Control work in practice?
According to the Telex article, the EU would establish a new child protection centre focused on countering sexual exploitation. Until now, companies could voluntarily take steps to prevent such content. Under the proposal, if requested by the new authority, they would be obliged to assess risk. If the centre accepts their risk assessment, the case would not proceed. If not, a detection order would be issued—at this stage, state governments would not be conducting the investigations. Euronews reports that such orders could also be requested by national authorities, provided a court co-signs the motion.
The European Commission states that scanning would only affect specific parts of a service or particular user groups, for a limited time. Moreover, only AI tools ‘trained’ by the new child protection authority could be used. If danger is detected, the service provider would be informed and consulted, participating in the investigation. Only then could the inspection of sent messages begin.
The Commission claims the proposed centre would also filter out false positives and prevent member states from abusing the system for other surveillance purposes.
Back in 2022, the European Parliament’s LIBE Committee made similar amendments: it opposes blanket surveillance and supports only specialised, risk-based approaches.
What is the problem with the proposal?
The draft legislation known as Chat Control first surfaced in 2022 but has yet to be adopted, reflecting the controversy it has sparked.
Perhaps the most contentious element is the circumvention of end-to-end encryption. To make message scanning possible, service providers would need to install backdoors—raising concerns that others, including authoritarian regimes, might exploit this vulnerability to monitor dissidents and NGOs. Hungary, for example, has already been embroiled in a scandal involving Israeli spyware:
- Another Israeli spyware allegedly operating in Hungary – suspected government ties
The European Parliament has sought to ensure balance. Rapporteur Javier Zarzalejos of the centre-right EPP acknowledged the importance of encrypted communication in April 2023. Yet critics note that the current version of the Chat Control proposal still permits widespread screening of files, images, texts and links.
A recent version published by the German civil group Netzpolitik seemingly backs encryption, but also argues that illegal communication must remain detectable. Therefore, users would need to consent to scanning—if they refuse, they would not be able to send visual content (such as images or videos) or links. This could substantially alter the user experience on platforms like Signal or Telegram.
What is needed for adoption?
All major EU institutions—the European Commission, Council of the EU, and European Parliament—must approve the final version. As of now, no final text exists.
In the Council, a qualified majority is required: at least 15 countries representing 65% of the EU population. According to Telex, 19 governments currently support the plan, but their population share falls short of 65%. TechRadar reported in late August that there are 15 backers controlling just 54% of the population—making Germany’s support crucial. Euronewsconfirms 15 in favour, six opposing (including Poland), and six undecided. Interestingly, Hungary supports the Danish text proposal.
The Council’s justice and interior ministers will discuss the matter in October, so adoption remains a distant prospect, with the final text still in development. For now, fears of mass surveillance—at least from this proposal—appear unsubstantiated.
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Pedofidesz is going to prevent on-line child abuse? Do I really need to remind readers about this headline from six days ago in Daily News Hungary? “Children in Hungarian state care taken to orgies of politicians: Former child protection head”. Who are these Pedofidesz politicians and when will they be arrested for their abuse of children? Now this AI based tool might be effective to prevent or detect use of child pornography but you can be certain that Fidesz will also use it for spying against opposition politicians, opposition media and anyone in the general public they don’t like. The only way it can work is if there is strict judicial oversight that prevents polticial abuse and Fidesz cannot be trusted.
“What does the proposal entail—and why is it needed?”
It is NOT needed. Try to graft it onto Fidesz all you want, like loser Larry above, but this nonsense was dreamed up by the E.U. What a surprise! A megalomaniacal, endlessly corrupt artifice that is facing an impending implosion is thinking up ways to control people’s speech. To Protect The Children™, naturally.
That is the same EUrotrash scumbags who are willfully letting in millions of violent third-world pedophiles and terrorists who proceed to stab, run over, rape, and blow up native European kids. And not only are they gladly letting them in, but they punish those who dare to take any measures–such as Hungary and, lately,. Italy and Greece–to stem the invasion.
Keep pushing us, sleazeballs… We have our limits, as you’ll find out by and by.
Stiener!!!
Dreamed up by the EU yes, but why Hungary Fidesz support this propsal!!!!!
Same idiotness as usual.