E2E encryption and protection of children online

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) systems bring enhanced security advantages to private communications. Yet they also pose increased difficulties to law enforcement investigations. In the case of child sexual abuse (CSA) online, these systems hide data from children who are being abused or coerced into sexual abuse, leading to a failure to pursue these crimes. Reports of online grooming increased by 82 % in 2022. While E2EE might prevail for all its advantages, it is also necessary to protect young children and avoid a drop in online CSA abuse reports as major technology companies plan to move towards this technology. An EU legislative proposal aims to combat the rise in online CSA including grooming while protecting and not compromising E2EE systems.