A surge in Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) across online platforms has alarmed EU authorities and child protection groups as digital communication expands. The expiry on April 3, 2026 of a temporary ePrivacy derogation that allowed providers to scan private messages has left hash-matching detection used by firms such as Google, Meta, Microsoft and Snap in legal limbo, risking a sharp decline in reports to Europol and NCMEC. #CSAM #ePrivacy #Europol #NCMEC #Google #Meta
Keypoints
- The temporary ePrivacy derogation enabling voluntary CSAM scanning expired on April 3, 2026, creating legal uncertainty.
- Hash-matching technology previously allowed platforms to identify known CSAM with high accuracy while aiming to respect privacy.
- Major tech companies including Google, Meta, Microsoft and Snap have pledged to continue voluntary detection despite the legal risks.
- Authorities warn the lapse could cause a sharp decline in CSAM reports to Europol and NCMEC, hampering investigations and rescues.
- Child protection groups and policymakers are urging a stable EU regulatory framework to restore scalable detection and protect victims.
Read More: https://thecyberexpress.com/eu-csam-law-gap-child-sexual-exploitation-risk/