The European Commission proposes extending interim rules on voluntary detection of online child sexual abuse

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to extend the Interim Regulation that temporarily derogates from certain provisions of the e-Privacy Directive for the purpose of combating online child sexual abuse. If adopted, the extension would allow eligible service providers to continue voluntarily detecting, reporting, and removing child sexual abuse material on their platforms beyond the current expiry date.

The Interim Regulation applies to providers of certain number-independent interpersonal communication services, enabling them to engage in voluntary measures to identify child sexual abuse material and related activities. According to the Commission, these measures have played a significant role over the past 15 years in identifying abuse, supporting child protection efforts, and assisting law enforcement in holding perpetrators accountable.

The current Interim Regulation is set to expire on 3 April 2026. Without an extension or the adoption of new permanent rules by that date, providers would no longer be legally able to continue these voluntary detection and reporting activities. The Commission argues that such a gap would weaken existing safeguards and make it easier for offenders to distribute abusive material or engage in grooming activities without detection.

In May 2022, the Commission proposed a long-term regulatory framework through a draft Regulation aimed at preventing and combating child sexual abuse. However, negotiations on that proposal are still ongoing within the European Parliament and the Council. To prevent a lapse in the legal framework during this period, the Commission is now proposing to extend the Interim Regulation until 3 April 2028.

The proposed extension is presented as a bridging measure rather than a substitute for permanent legislation. The Commission maintains that the interim approach remains necessary until agreement is reached on a comprehensive and sustainable legal framework governing the detection and reporting of child sexual abuse online.

The proposal will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council. The Commission has indicated that it will continue to support the co-legislators in advancing discussions on the long-term regulation, with the stated objective of ensuring effective child protection while providing legal certainty for service providers.