Germany faces mounting pressure to abandon its obstructive stance in ongoing negotiations surrounding the EU’s proposed “Chat Control” package, with a senior figure within the ruling CDU voicing strong criticism of the government’s approach. Günter Krings, deputy chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, expressed deep disappointment at the lack of progress toward an agreement, highlighting the escalating rates of online child abuse as a critical urgency.
Krings’ comments, published in “Welt” challenge the current strategy emanating from Berlin, emphasizing the need for a viable solution that balances the protection of vulnerable children with the preservation of privacy. While acknowledging the initial Danish proposal was fundamentally flawed, he dismissed the current German response as simply a “no” arguing that a constructive alternative is urgently required.
The core of the proposed legislation dictates that messaging services like WhatsApp, Signal and Instagram should implement automated scanning of all messages, photos and videos within chats and emails, flagging potentially suspicious content for human review and subsequent referral to law enforcement agencies. This provision has drawn fierce opposition, with critics warning of mass surveillance, the potential for false accusations against innocent individuals and the creation of security vulnerabilities exploitable by malicious actors.
Krings directly targeted Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD), accusing her ministry’s actions of sending “the wrong signal” through its apparent blockade of the process. He called on the federal government to re-engage constructively and to facilitate a compromise. “Germany must shape Europe; it cannot deny itself from this crucial role in European child protection” Krings asserted.
This internal CDU criticism reflects a growing rift within the German political landscape. While concerns about privacy are legitimate and warrant careful consideration, Krings’ statement underscores the concern that Germany’s current position risks undermining a vital measure aimed at safeguarding children from online exploitation. The pressure now mounts on Berlin to move beyond obstruction and propose concrete alternatives that address both the safety of children and the fundamental rights of individuals.
