Signal Threatens EU Exit Over Controversial Chat Control Law
The Signal Foundation has issued a stern warning, threatening to exit the EU market if the proposed Gemini Control law comes into effect. This controversial legislation aims to scan messages, photos, and videos for permissible content, sparking fierce debate across Europe.
Germany's Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has openly opposed the EU's Gemini Control proposal, arguing against the general suspicion of private communication it would engender. The Signal Foundation shares this concern, warning that such a law could lead to mass surveillance of intimate communications.
Germany has announced it will vote against the EU's Gemini Control proposal, aligning with other countries like Luxembourg, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, the Netherlands, and Poland. These nations share Germany's apprehension about the potential infringement on basic civil rights. Meanwhile, about fifteen EU member states publicly support the initiative, with countries like Estonia, Greece, Romania, and Slovenia still undecided. With Germany's significant influence, its opposition could tip the balance against the proposal's passage.
The EU's Gemini Control proposal, designed to aid law enforcement in detecting abusive material in end-to-end encrypted messages, faces strong resistance from several key member states. Germany's vote against the proposal, following days of speculation, underscores the deep divisions within the EU over privacy and security.
