Germany has joined a growing list of EU states opposing the latest “Chat Control” proposal, which would require providers to scan users’ private messages and files to detect child sexual abuse material. Backed initially by Denmark, the plan envisions inspection at device or server level, a step critics say would effectively weaken end-to-end encryption and introduce systemic security risks. Privacy advocates, technologists and more than 500 experts warn of false positives, function creep, and a chilling effect on free expression and victim reporting.

Germany’s stance could shift the balance in the EU Council and slow or block the law while civil-society groups and some companies prepare legal and public campaigns.