Should messenger services be searched for images of abuse to combat sexual violence against children? The FDP is voicing resistance – citing the basic rights of Internet users.
FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr has reiterated his party’s determined opposition to a general control of messenger services to combat images of abuse. “We will do everything in our power to prevent European chat control,” Dürr told the German Press Agency in Berlin. The idea that operators could read chat messages or sent images without reason is “downright absurd.”
Dürr criticized: “The alleged option of being able to refuse surveillance on one’s own device is in fact not an option, but a compulsion. Because anyone who refuses is no longer allowed to send pictures and videos.” In his words, the current proposed law would lead to massive infringements on fundamental rights. He demanded: “The fight against crime must be directed specifically against the criminals and not against the millions of people who use messenger services to stay in touch with family and friends.”
In 2022, the EU Commission presented a proposal according to which providers such as Google or Facebook could, under certain circumstances, be required to use software to search their services for images of child abuse. Critics speak of “chat control” and fear mass surveillance. Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) also has concerns. On Thursday, the EU states want to address the issue again.
Source: Stern
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