Denmark has withdrawn its controversial “chat control” proposal after strong opposition from privacy groups, technology experts and several EU member states. According to Cointelegraph, the plan will force apps like Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp to scan users’ private messages before encrypting them. The move raised concerns that people’s private chats would be exposed.
🇩🇰 New: Denmark withdraws EU chat control proposal after massive privacy backlash.
The plan required Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp to scan messages before encrypting them. What made them retreat? 👇 pic.twitter.com/ZUmeHya2ck
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) November 3, 2025
Intent of the proposal
The Danish government wanted to combat online child sexual abuse. Their plan, part of the EU’s Child Sexual Abuse Regulation (CSAR), aimed to force all messaging platforms to scan messages for illegal content. They called this method “Client-side scan”.
The idea was simple: detect harmful content in messages before they are encrypted. Denmark argued the measure would allow police to more quickly stop child abuse. It also said the new rules protect children while keeping messaging apps safe.
However, experts warn that this method may weaken the encryption. They said this could allow hackers and governments to access private messages. Critics also worry about mass surveillance and the impact on free speech.
Reasons why Denmark withdrew
Denmark faced fierce opposition. Privacy advocates, tech companies and other EU governments said the plan threatens people’s rights. Germany, one of the EU’s main member states, openly opposed the proposal. Without German support Denmark could not advance.
In the face of strong criticism, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard confirmed that Denmark would lift the scanning requirement. The government plans to support a voluntary system instead. This means that messaging apps can choose to scan content, but are not forced to do so.
What this means for users
For users of apps like Signal and WhatsApp, this is a big relief. Private messages remain safe for now. You don’t have to worry about the government scanning your conversations.
Tech companies also welcomed the change. Many had warned that mandatory scanning could force us to leave the EU. You can now continue to operate without violating privacy regulations.
Crypto connection
This debate also has implications for the crypto community. Apps like Telegram and Signal are often used by crypto traders to communicate and share sensitive financial information. Weakening encryption could expose private trading strategies, wallet details, or discussions in sensitive groups to surveillance. By revoking this law, Denmark also protected the privacy of cryptocurrency users across the EU.
Impact on users and cryptocurrencies
Denmark’s decision to regulate chat does not end the debate. Denmark’s EU Presidency will last until mid-2026, with the possibility of new proposals. Lawmakers still want to fight online child abuse, but they need to find solutions that respect privacy.
Experts say future proposals are likely to focus on voluntary measures and improved reporting tools. Additionally, digital rights organizations will continue to closely monitor new rules.
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