STORY
The Council of the EU has adopted its position on a regulation to allow online service providers to resume voluntary detection and removal of child sexual abuse material. The measure is intended to bridge a legal gap while longer term EU legislation on the issue remains under negotiation.
The proposal would create a temporary derogation from data protection rules in the electronic communications
sector. The Council said voluntary detection, reporting and removal by providers helped identify victims, support investigations and reduce the spread of abusive material online.
The previous interim measure expired on 3 April 2026 and the Council wants the replacement to run until 3 April 2028. The European Parliament will now examine the Council position at second reading and may approve, amend or reject it.