Tuta: They are bringing back ChatControl
Tuta reports that the proposed "ChatControl" mass surveillance legislation is being revived, which would require messaging platforms to scan private messages for illegal content, threatening end-to-end encryption.
Background
- **ChatControl** refers to a long-running EU proposal (officially called "CSAM Regulation" or "chat control") that would require messaging apps to scan private messages — including encrypted ones — for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Critics say it breaks end-to-end encryption and enables mass surveillance.
- **Tuta** (formerly Tutanota) is a German email provider that offers end-to-end encrypted email and calendar services, and has been a vocal opponent of ChatControl.
- **"Bringing it back"** means the proposal has been revived after being stalled in EU negotiations. A new version is circulating, reportedly with changes like narrowing the scanning mandate to "at-risk" users or content, which privacy advocates argue still undermines encryption and opens the door to broader surveillance.
- Why it matters: If passed, this regulation could force services like Signal, WhatsApp, Tuta, and others to scan private communications, potentially breaking encryption for everyone in the EU.