• EU lawmakers have agreed to draft rules requiring tech giants like Google and Meta to identify and remove online child pornography.
• The draft rules aim to protect children while preserving privacy rights and avoiding mass surveillance.
• A new EU center dedicated to combating child sexual abuse will be established.

In a significant move to protect children online, EU lawmakers have reached an agreement on draft rules that will mandate online services to actively identify and remove CSAM. This decision follows concerns over the inadequacy of the current voluntary system of detection and reporting by companies.

The proposed legislation aims to address this issue by requiring messaging services, app stores, and internet access providers to take proactive measures in combating CSAM. This includes reporting known and new images and videos, as well as instances of grooming, to designated authorities.

To further strengthen the response to online child sexual abuse, an EU Centre on Child Sexual Abuse will be established. This central hub will serve as a repository of expertise, facilitating the exchange of information and streamlining the reporting process to law enforcement agencies.

The effects on privacy rights are also closely examined by EU lawmakers in order to make sure the actions undertaken do not violate those rights because of end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption will be exempted from the draft rules as they decide to put in surveillance measures, which should be based on a reasonable suspicion of child sexual abuse and court orders. Privacy advocates have welcomed this decision from the Parliament to strike a healthy balance that protects children without compromising privacy. 

The draft rules contribute significantly to the ongoing combat against online child sexual exploitation and abuse. By requiring online services to take greater responsibility and establishing a dedicated center to coordinate efforts, the EU is demonstrating its determination to safeguard children in the digital age.