Written by Mar Negreiro
The volume of online child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and frequency of grooming activities, increasingly targeting younger children, is rising sharply. On 11 May 2022, the European Commission adopted a proposal for mandatory legislation to combat what is an escalating problem. Reporting of suspected online child sexual abuse increased by 35 % in 2021 compared with 2020, representing a historical peak. Most of the activities detected were hosted in Europe.
The Commission proposal would require interpersonal communication services and others to search proactively for CSAM materials and grooming activities targeting children. However, this poses many concerns regarding privacy, security and law enforcement investigations. The proposal also provides for the establishment of a new EU centre to support implementation and supervision.
In Parliament, the file has been assigned to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE).
Versions: November 2022: Combating child sexual abuse online (1st edition)
| Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse |
| Committee responsible: | Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) | COM(2020) 209 11.5.2022 |
| Rapporteur: |
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2020/0155(COD) |
| Shadow rapporteurs: |
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Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’) |
Next steps expected: Publication of draft report