Luxembourg Rejects EU’s “Chat Control” Plans, Citing Mass Surveillance Risks

The Luxembourg government has made clear it will not support the EU’s proposed “Chat Control” regulation, which aims to combat online child sexual abuse but includes provisions for scanning private communications.

Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue (CSV) stressed that Luxembourg “rejects any general surveillance of private communications,” arguing that the measures are overly intrusive and risk violating fundamental rights guaranteed under EU law.

The proposal, spearheaded by Denmark and set for a European vote on 14 October, would require email and online service providers to automatically analyze content through methods such as “client-side scanning” and download moderation. Critics warn this would enable mass surveillance, including of people with no link to criminal activity.

While Luxembourg fully supports stronger protections for children online, it insists that the fight against paedophilia must focus on targeted detection rather than blanket surveillance of all citizens. The government plans to push for more proportionate measures in upcoming EU negotiations, alongside other countries that share its concerns.

Read More : Luxembourg rejette la surveillance de masse dans le cadre de ChatControl - L'essentiel
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