Change of course by the European Parliament on its legislative proposal to hunt down pedophiles and protect children from sexual abuse on social networks. If a few months ago the division of the parties was clear, between those who asked for surveillance of all messages spread on the Internet and those who pointed out that this would mean the end of privacy, on Tuesday the agreement was reached, announced yesterday in press conference by the MEPs, led by the popular Javier Zarzalejos.
There will not be control of all private messages as initially contemplated, only those in which there are indications that a crime is being committed. “It has not been an easy agreement, but I think it is a great agreement that balances the defense of children’s rights with that of privacy,” said Zarzalejos.
The controversial proposed law against the spread of child sexual abuse had sparked rejection from civil entities that saw an interference in the right to privacy, and yesterday they celebrated this agreement in style. And it also represents a wake-up call to the European Council and the European Commission, which must rule on this matter.
The new report will be approved on November 13 by the European Parliament, although this does not imply its final approval since it still has to go through the two aforementioned institutions. Spain hopes that the standard will be prepared before the end of the year, although the most realistic forecasts point to the first half of 2024.
