Berlin, October 21, 2025
Statement by the Cyber Security Council Germany e.V. on the EU’s “Chat Control” Proposal
Chat Control: Well-Intended, but Wrongly Implemented
The planned EU regulation on the so-called Chat Control aims to curb the misuse of digital communication for criminal purposes – especially in connection with child sexual abuse. The Cyber Security Council Germany e.V. expressly supports this goal. However, the chosen path is highly problematic from a technical perspective.
Why Chat Control Does More Harm Than Good:
- IT Security is Undermined: Client-Side Scanning—the scanning of content before encryption—creates systematic vulnerabilities. What is used today to fight crime can be exploited by attackers tomorrow. Secure encryption is not an obstacle to investigations, but the foundation of trustworthy digital communication.
- Fundamental Rights at Risk: The indiscriminate surveillance of private chats contradicts the principle of proportionality and is in conflict with the confidentiality of telecommunications (Art. 10 of the German Basic Law/GG) and European law. Such mass surveillance sets a dangerous precedent and endangers the privacy of all users – without demonstrable benefit for law enforcement.
- Practically Ineffective: Criminals will switch to alternative channels that are harder to monitor. Chat Control primarily impacts innocent users, businesses, and critical infrastructure without solving the actual problem.
- Economic Risks: European providers of messenger services could be disadvantaged by the new requirements, which weakens innovative strength and digital sovereignty.
„Chat Control is a classic example of how well-intended security policy can lead to increased insecurity. Instead of weakening encryption, we need intelligent, targeted approaches that uphold fundamental rights while effectively protecting against misuse. “ — Prof. Dr. André Döring, Member of the Presidium of the Cyber Security Council Germany e.V., responsible for Data Protection and Information Security Management
The protection of children and the fight against crime require effective measures – but not ones that jeopardize IT security, fundamental rights, and economic interests. The Cyber Security Council Germany e.V. advocates for solutions that reconcile child protection and digital freedom. The current Chat Control is not a compromise, but a risk for us all.
About the Cyber Security Council Germany e.V.
The Cyber Security Council Germany e.V. is an independent network of experts for cybersecurity and digital resilience. The association brings together decision-makers from business, politics, and science to sustainably strengthen digital security in Germany.
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