European Union: Adopted European Parliament negotiation mandate on the proposed Regulation laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse

On 22 November 2023, the European Parliament adopted its negotiating mandate on the proposed Regulation, laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse. Members of Parliament raised no objections to entering into negotiations. Under the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) amendments, internet service providers would be required to assess the risk of their services being used for online child sexual abuse. The Internet service providers would have to take targeted, proportionate and effective measures to reduce this risk. In order to prevent minors from being exploited online, services aimed at children should obtain user consent, offer blocking options and improve parental controls. In cases where harm reduction measures fail, judicial authorities will be able to issue temporary tracing orders to trace illegal material. Furthermore, under the LIBE amendments, the end-to-end encryption content would be excluded from the regulatory scope of the detection orders. The proposal also establishes a Child Protection Centre to support implementation and enforcement. Discussions on the final form of the law can commence as soon as the Council has adopted its position.