Child sexual abuse online: MEPs ready to start negotiations on temporary extension
The European Parliament plenary has authorised negotiations with the Council on extending an exemption to EU e-Privacy rules allowing for the detection of child sexual abuse material online.
On Wednesday, the European Parliament voted 496-111 (22 abstentions) to open negotiations with the Council on a temporary extension to the current e-Privacy derogation that allows for the voluntary detection of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online on the basis of a committee vote on 31 January.
In their position, MEPs propose extending current rules until 3 May 2025 and emphasise that they cannot be extended any further. They point out the importance of adopting permanent rules on CSAM that include prevention measures, which is why this extension should be a one-off solution.
You can read the full Parliament position here.
For the Parliament, negotiations will be led by rapporteur Birgit Sippel (S&D, Germany).
Background and next steps
Currently, a temporary derogation from EU legislation on the respect of privacy online allows for the detection of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online, but it is due to expire in August 2024. The Parliament has a position on adopting permanent rules to combat and prevent child sexual abuse online, but the Council of the EU has not yet adopted a General Approach, meaning that an extension is needed to prevent a legal vacuum.
Today’s vote was scheduled after an objection to opening negotiations was raised in the Parliament plenary. Now, the talks on the final form of the law can start, and a meeting is planned for the week of 12 February.
Contacts:
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Janne OJAMO
Press Officer