Denmark Chat Control Withdrawn Amid Privacy Backlash

Denmark has withdrawn its controversial ‘Chat Management’ proposal after robust opposition from privateness teams, expertise specialists and a number of other EU nations. In response to Cointelegraph, the plan would have compelled apps like Telegram, Sign and WhatsApp to scan customers’ personal messages earlier than encrypting them. The transfer sparked fears that folks’s personal chats could possibly be made public.

🇩🇰 NEW: Denmark withdraws its EU Chat Management proposal after large privateness backlash.

The plan would have compelled Telegram, Sign and WhatsApp to scan messages earlier than encrypting them. What triggered them to relapse? 👇pic.twitter.com/ZUmeHya2ck

— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) November 3, 2025

What the proposal meant

The Danish authorities needed to fight baby sexual abuse on-line. Their plan, a part of the EU’s Little one Sexual Abuse Regulation (CSAR), aimed to have all messaging platforms scan messages for unlawful materials. They referred to as this methodology “client-side scanning.”

The concept was easy: it detected malicious content material in messages earlier than they had been encrypted. Denmark argued that the transfer would assist police cease baby abuse extra rapidly. In addition they stated the brand new guidelines would shield kids whereas retaining messaging apps protected.

Nevertheless, specialists warned that this methodology might weaken the encryption. They stated it might give hackers or governments entry to personal messages. Critics additionally nervous about mass surveillance and the impression on freedom of expression.

Why Denmark took a step again

Denmark confronted critical setbacks. Privateness advocates, expertise corporations and different EU governments stated the plan threatened folks’s rights. Germany, one of many EU’s most essential members, overtly opposed the proposal. With out Germany’s assist, Denmark wouldn’t be capable to make progress.

Dealing with robust criticism, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard confirmed that Denmark would drop the obligatory scanning requirement. The federal government will now assist a voluntary system as a substitute. Because of this messaging apps can select to scan content material, however they aren’t compelled to take action.

What this implies for customers

This can be a massive reduction for customers of apps like Sign and WhatsApp. The personal messages will stay protected in the intervening time. You do not have to fret in regards to the authorities scanning your conversations.

Expertise corporations additionally welcomed the change. Many had warned that obligatory scanning might power them to depart the EU. Now they’ll proceed their actions with out violating privateness guidelines.

Crypto connections

The controversy additionally has implications for the crypto neighborhood. Apps resembling Telegram and Sign are broadly utilized by crypto merchants to speak and share delicate monetary info. The weakening of encryption might expose personal buying and selling methods, portfolio knowledge or delicate group discussions to surveillance. By withdrawing the legislation, Denmark has additionally protected the privateness of crypto customers throughout the EU.

Affect on customers and crypto

This Denmark Chat Management resolution doesn’t shut the talk. The Danish presidency of the EU will final till mid-2026, and new proposals might emerge. Lawmakers nonetheless wish to fight on-line baby abuse, however they need to discover a answer that respects privateness.

Specialists say future proposals are more likely to concentrate on voluntary measures and higher reporting instruments. Moreover, digital rights organizations will proceed to carefully monitor new guidelines.