In the ongoing debate over the so-called ChatControl — an EU proposal that would enable large-scale scanning of private online messages to detect illegal content — Daniel Eck, a German political commentator associated with the center-right CDU/CSU camp, has voiced his opposition.
In his statement, Eck clearly rejected the concept of “anlasslose Chatkontrolle,” or chat monitoring without a justified suspicion of criminal activity. According to him, such a measure would amount to a “privileged attack on citizens” and would constitute an intrusion into privacy under the pretext of fighting crime. “This is out of the question — we will not support it,” he emphasized.
At the same time, Eck noted that he does not question the need to combat cybercrime, including the use of messaging apps for illegal activities. In his view, online conversations “must be monitored and properly addressed,” but this should take place within existing legal frameworks, respecting the principles of proportionality and privacy protection.
He also pointed out that national regulations on digital surveillance still differ widely, and that the legal order in some EU member states remains “in a very poor state.” In this context, he welcomed the fact that the European Union is negotiating common standards, but warned against the temptation of excessive centralization and automation of citizen monitoring.
Eck’s remarks were commented on by Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation. In her post on X, she wrote:
“German CDU party said no to ChatControl. Your voice has power. But until we have the final news about the rejection of ChatControl law nothing can be for sure. Proof of work — the only way we should treat each statement.”
Kozlovska praised the German CDU’s opposition to the project, but at the same time remained cautious, reminding that until final decisions are made, no outcome can be considered certain. Her comment refers to the need for consistent action and for political statements to be backed by real legislative results.
The statements of Eck and Kozlovska reflect a broader European debate surrounding ChatControl. Supporters of the proposal argue that mass scanning of messages is necessary to combat child sexual abuse and the circulation of illegal material. Opponents, however, warn that it would be a dangerous precedent, paving the way for the creation of a system of mass surveillance.
In Germany, the issue of ChatControl touches on fundamental constitutional principles — the right to privacy, freedom of communication, and data protection. The Open Dialogue Foundation’s Submission on the Retention of Data by Service Providers for Use in EU Criminal Proceedings directly addresses the concerns raised in the ChatControl debate. Similar to Daniel Eck, the authors of the report warn against mass, preventive interference in private communications, deeming it inconsistent with EU law and the principle of proportionality. The document emphasizes that uncritical data retention leads to the same risks that ChatControl could reinforce — the creation of a mass surveillance infrastructure. In both cases, the need to protect fundamental rights and civil liberties in the digital world is strongly underscored.
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Cover photo: @eckilepsie/x.com
