Signal urges Germany to stand firm against EU “Chat Control”
Meredith Whittaker, president of the Signal Foundation, has publicly criticized the proposed EU “Chat Control” regulation, warning that measures to scan private messages would fundamentally undermine end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and user privacy. Whittaker has called on Germany to take a clear and firm stance against the proposal, arguing that Germany’s position could be decisive for privacy protections across Europe.
Key points:
- Signal says the regulation risks turning encrypted messaging into a vector for mass surveillance by requiring content scanning or “upload moderation” that breaks or weakens E2EE.
- Whittaker has warned that, if forced to comply, Signal may need to reconsider operating in regions that enforce such surveillance measures.
- Reports indicate there’s pressure on Germany and some uncertainty about whether it may change its previous opposition to the regulation, making Whittaker’s appeal especially timely.
Primary sources and further reading:
- Signal Foundation — “For a future with privacy, not mass surveillance, Germany must stand firm” (PDF)
- The Hacker News — coverage of Signal’s warning about EU Chat Control
- El País — interview with Meredith Whittaker (English)
Context: The EU proposal—often called “Chat Control”—aims to detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and other illegal content by scanning messages. Privacy advocates, including Signal, argue that the proposed technical measures amount to mass surveillance and would weaken security for all users.
What you can do: Read the Signal statement and follow developments. If you care about privacy and secure messaging, consider contacting your representatives and joining public consultations.
Sources: Signal Foundation, The Hacker News, El País.