EU’s Chat Control Bill Faces Critical Vote Amid Privacy Concerns

The European Union is set to vote on the “Chat Control” bill on October 14, 2025, potentially mandating the scanning of encrypted communications to combat child exploitation.

This proposal could significantly alter digital privacy and encryption norms across Europe, causing a divide among member states and impacting privacy-focused digital assets and messaging platforms.

Chat Control Bill and Its Potential Europe-Wide Impact

The European Union’s Chat Control bill, which mandates scanning of user communications, aims to address child sexual abuse material across digital platforms. Led by the Danish EU Council Presidency, 19 member states support the proposal, yet Germany and Belgium voice strong privacy concerns.

The voting outcome on October 14 could profoundly affect digital communications, enforcing the scanning of encrypted data. Compliance costs and potential risks for blockchain-based messaging services loom, stirring debate among stakeholders.

Patrick Breyer, Pirate Party MEP, emphasizes the bill’s threat to fundamental rights and encryption integrity. “We want to safeguard the digital secrecy of correspondence and remove the plans for blanket chat control, which violate fundamental rights and stand no chance in court.”

France Supports Despite Privacy Concerns, Reverberations in Blockchain

Did you know? France’s recent shift toward supporting the EU Chat Control bill marks a significant political realignment in privacy legislation, historically hesitant due to privacy rights prioritization.

CoinMarketCap lists Ethereum (ETH) at $4,634.60, with a market cap of $559.43 billion, reflecting a recent 18.52% rise over seven days. The 24-hour trading volume stands at $71.01 billion. ETH has seen a substantial 86.76% increase over 90 days.

According to Coincu researchers, the mandatory scanning legislation could stunt blockchain innovation by undermining secure communications. Privacy coins, in particular, might face heightened scrutiny, as the bill could erode trust in encrypted exchanges and bolster interest in decentralized solutions.