EU reinstates interim CSAM detection rules until 2028
The European Commission has welcomed the Council’s adoption of a renewed interim framework for combating online child sexual abuse.
The regulation reinstates a temporary derogation from certain provisions of the ePrivacy Directive, allowing eligible online communication providers to voluntarily detect, report and remove child sexual abuse material and identify online grooming.
The previous interim framework expired on 3 April 2026, leaving providers without the specific EU legal framework previously covering those voluntary activities.
Also, the new regulation will apply until 3 April 2028, while negotiations continue on permanent EU legislation to prevent and combat online child sexual abuse.
It incorporates amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 9 July, excluding from its scope interpersonal communications protected by end-to-end encryption.
Providers using voluntary detection technologies will remain subject to data protection requirements and other safeguards.
The Commission said reports of newly created child sexual abuse material had increased more than 200-fold over the previous three years, partly because of AI misuse, while reports of online grooming had risen twelvefold.
It said voluntary reports can help identify victims, support investigations and remove abusive material that can continue to harm survivors long after its initial creation.
The Commission stressed that the measure remains temporary and called for an agreement on the proposed long-term regulation.
Why does it matter?
The measure restores legal certainty for voluntary CSAM detection while EU institutions negotiate permanent legislation, but it also reflects the difficult balance between protecting children and preserving privacy and secure communications. The exclusion of end-to-end encrypted services narrows the measure’s reach, while the reported growth of AI-generated abusive material and online grooming increases pressure on policymakers to develop durable rules with clear safeguards, oversight and accountability.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!