Data Privacy
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Data Security
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Endpoint Security
Denmark Concedes Domestic and International Opposition Against Client-Scanning

Denmark withdrawing a proposal that would have required online service providers to scan communications and files on user devices for child sexual abuse material after domestic and international opposition.
See Also: A Modern Approach to Data Security
The Scandinavian country presides over the Council of European Union until December. It has made it a priority to get into law for the entire trading bloc a proposal put forward by the European Commission in 2022 known as Chat Control. Backers say the client-side scanning mandate is a necessary measure against CSAM.
Chat Control suffered a likely fatal blow when Germany withdrew earlier this month support ahead of a key vote this. The proposal also failed to obtain backing from the Moderates, a Danish liberal political party that forms the governing coalition.
Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard on Thursday told local media outlets that Europe should still act on a CSAM proposal before current authorization for voluntary scanning by communication providers expires in 2026.
The European Parliament extended authorization for voluntary anti-CSAM scanning until April. The parliament previously called for measures such targeted detection, for CSAM that would first require law enforcement would first have to seek judicial authorization for a time-limited order to scan for CSAM (see: EU’s LIBE Rejects Mass Content Scanning in CSAM Proposal).
“The new approach is a triumph for the digital freedom movement and a major leap forward when it comes to saving our fundamental right to confidentiality,” said Patrick Breyer of the German Pirate Party about Denmark’s proposal to withdraw mandatory chat detection orders.
The Netherlands and Poland are among states that have opposed Chat Control, while France and Ireland are among the countries that back it.
An EU Justice and Home Affairs spokesperson earlier said the Danish Presidency is likely to reintroduce an anti-CSAM proposal toward the end of the year.
