EU’s Chat Control Legislation Sparks Debate Between Protecting Children and Safeguarding Online Privacy

Vitalik Buterin, a co-founder of

, has openly voiced his opposition to the European Union’s proposed Chat Control law, cautioning that it could seriously endanger digital privacy and security. Posting on X, Buterin highlighted that forcing tech companies to scan users’ private messages for illegal material threatens privacy rights, insisting that law enforcement backdoors are fundamentally unsafe and open to abuse. He remarked, “Everyone is entitled to privacy and security… especially in private conversations,” and criticized lawmakers for seeking to exempt themselves from the surveillance measures they want to impose on the public Vitalik Buterin Slams EU’s Chat Control Legislation [ 1 ].

Known officially as the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation (CSAR), the Chat Control proposal would require encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal to scan messages, images, and videos on users’ devices. This would mean using AI to identify child sexual abuse content (CSAM) before it is encrypted and transmitted. Nonetheless, more than 500 cryptography and security experts have criticized the plan, warning that the technology is unreliable, susceptible to false alarms, and could introduce widespread security risks The EU could be scanning your chats by October 2025 [ 4 ]. The draft law also shows that EU interior ministers and intelligence agencies are seeking to exempt themselves from these surveillance requirements, further undermining public confidence Vitalik Buterin Slams EU’s Chat Control Legislation [ 1 ].

By September 2025, 15 EU countries have expressed support for the bill, but it still falls short of the 65% population threshold needed for approval. Germany’s position is crucial and remains undecided; its vote will likely determine the bill’s fate. If Germany backs the proposal, it is expected to pass; if not, the legislation may be blocked Vitalik Buterin Slams EU’s Chat Control Legislation [ 1 ]. The final decision will be made during the vote scheduled for October 14, 2025, with Denmark’s presidency of the EU Council pushing for its adoption.

Experts in privacy and cryptography caution that the law’s impact could extend well beyond messaging services. Buterin and others warn that weakening encryption would jeopardize the security of decentralized technologies, including crypto wallets and blockchain systems. Hans Rempel, CEO of Diode, and Elisenda Fabrega from Brickken, suggest that the regulation may drive users toward privacy-centric Web3 solutions, though this could fragment the EU’s digital landscape and diminish its influence on international privacy norms Vitalik Buterin Slams EU’s Chat Control Legislation [ 1 ]. Legal experts also point out that the proposal conflicts with the EU Charter’s guarantees for private communications and data protection The EU could be scanning your chats by October 2025 [ 4 ].

The controversy has grown as the EU Council of Ministers tries to balance child protection with fundamental rights. Supporters claim that voluntary actions by tech firms are inadequate, given the vast amount of CSAM reported each year. Opponents, however, highlight the technical and ethical dangers of client-side scanning, such as the potential for widespread surveillance and the undermining of encryption’s essential role in digital safety. The European Court of Human Rights has previously ruled against measures that would weaken encryption, signaling significant legal obstacles ahead.

With the legislation gaining traction, the upcoming October 14 vote marks a pivotal moment. If approved, the EU could set a global example for surveillance laws, possibly encouraging other regions to follow suit. If rejected, it would affirm the importance of upholding privacy and security, even when facing difficult social issues. As the debate continues, finding the right balance between safeguarding vulnerable groups and protecting digital freedoms remains central to the discussion.