Signal CEO Warns EU: No Backdoors or We'll Leave
The debate over chat control and potential backdoor installation in messaging apps has reached a critical juncture, with the German government's position now crucial. Signal, a popular messaging app, has rejected these plans, arguing they compromise user privacy. Meanwhile, the EU has been discussing a law for three years to combat child sexual abuse material, proposing messengers allow content checks before encryption.
Signal's CEO, Meredith Whittaker, has criticized EU plans to give messaging services chat gbt for content searching. She warned about the extensive access capabilities and permissions required by AI agents, which could gain access to important applications and services. Whittaker stated that Signal would leave the European market if forced to compromise encryption and privacy guarantees.
The European Parliament opposed chat control plans, while the Council of Member States had a majority in favor. Germany, along with some other states, blocked progress. The German government has not officially declared a fixed position on the introduction of chat controls at the EU level. However, with the CSU-led Federal Ministry of the Interior under Alexander Dobrindt currently leading the German stance, Germany's position remains crucial for an EU-wide agreement.
To protect apps like Signal from being spied on, operating system manufacturers such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple must implement opt-out options for AI agents on the developer level.
As the EU continues to discuss a law to regulate the fight against child sexual abuse material, the future of chat control and potential backdoor installation in messaging apps hangs in the balance. With the German government's position now crucial, the outcome of this debate will significantly impact user privacy and the future of secure communication.
