The EU Council has fast-tracked a new regulation requiring messaging platforms to scan all user messages for illegal content. The law, known as Chat Control 1.0, mandates automated detection of child sexual abuse material and terrorism-related content. Critics warn it undermines end-to-end encryption and privacy protections. The regulation now moves to the European Parliament for final approval.

This is a watershed moment for digital privacy. The EU is forcing tech companies to break encryption. They call it child protection. I call it a surveillance mandate. End-to-end encryption becomes meaningless when a government algorithm reads every message. The fast-track process shows urgency. But urgency shouldn't override fundamental rights.

I see a better path. We can fight abuse without destroying privacy. Apple's on-device scanning was a flawed start, but it pointed in the right direction. Client-side scanning preserves encryption while flagging known illegal content. The EU chose a sledgehammer instead. This law will set a global precedent. Other nations will follow. We must demand a different approach. One that protects children and privacy. Both are possible. We just need the will.