Planned mass surveillance: WhatsApp and Threema are strictly against chat control

Major messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Threema, are strongly opposing the EU's proposed "Chat Control" initiative. This stance highlights growing concerns over the potential impact on digital privacy and security within the European Union. The move signals significant pushback against the proposal, which aims to scan private messages for illegal content. Both WhatsApp, owned by Meta, and Threema have voiced their concerns, echoing those of Signal, which has threatened to leave the European market. WhatsApp's spokesperson emphasized that the proposal undermines end-to-end encryption. Threema has also released a blog post detailing its opposition to mass surveillance. The implications of this debate are far-reaching, potentially affecting all users of encrypted messaging services within the EU. The core concern revolves around the compromise of user privacy and the erosion of digital security through mass surveillance. The future of encrypted messaging services in the EU may depend on the final shape of the Chat Control regulation. The EU's Chat Control proposal, intended to combat child sexual abuse material, has been under debate for three years. Threema has indicated that it will closely monitor the final version of the law and consider all options. The final outcome will determine the future of private messaging in Europe.
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