SDP opposes controversial EU surveillance law

The opposition SDP has begun gathering signatures in an effort to stop the government's support of the controvercial EU directive dubbed 'Chat Control'. 

Officially known as the 'Regulation to Prevent and Combat Child Sexual Abuse', the legislation would make it a legal requirement for digital platforms to detect and report child sexual abuse material to authorities.

And while the stated goal is universally supported, the controversy lies in the mandatory scanning of all digital communication, including end-to-end encrypted messaging apps and cloud services.

Critics argue that the legislation means the mass surveillance of private digital communications.

SDP President Siniša Hajdaš Dončić said it would mean everyone's private communication, including messages and images, could be read and monitored by authorities.

"Yes, preventing the sexual exploitation of children on the internet is a good thing. But, unfortunately, this goes way beyond that. There are much better ways to accomplish that goal. Our position is very clear: we support the protection of children from sexual exploitation whether that be on the internet or in everyday life but not like this. This must change," said Hajdaš Dončić.

The alternative, they say, is stronger prevention and better education in schools, as well as the strengthening of special units within the Ministry of the Interior that will monitor deviant behavior.

The next European Council debate and vote is expected to take place on 14 October. There, EU countries are being encouraged to take an official position in favour of 'Chat Control'.