Amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1232 as regards the extension of its period of application

Tabled by Assita Kanko, Nicolas Bay

Added: (4 a) The Union remains fully committed to protecting children and to pursuing a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of sexual abuse or exploitation that threatens their safety, dignity and integrity. At the same time, the protection of children should be ensured in full respect of fundamental rights, including the right to privacy and the confidentiality of communications as guaranteed by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Nothing in Regulation (EU) 2021/1232 should therefore be construed as permitting, requiring or encouraging the weakening, circumvention or undermining of end-to-end encryption. Providers should remain free to offer and develop end-to-end encrypted services without restriction. The application of the derogation and any detection technologies should not interfere with or bypass end-to-end encryption, nor require the introduction of backdoors or other technical means that would compromise the integrity of encrypted communications. Any measures implemented under Regulation (EU) 2021/1232 should fully respect the essence of the rights to privacy and confidentiality of communications.

Wording as published by the EP, in English. PE782.986