Meta's decision to encrypt private chats by default is timed to coincide with a period of political uncertainty before Parliamentary elections in the EU and UK. This article explores why that timing matters. 

Read more: Meta rolls out encryption as political headwinds ease

End-to-end encrypted services out of scope
Targetting of individuals or groups only with “reasonable suspicion” and judicial warrant plus judicial oversight of hash lists
No mandatory age verification for app stores and communications services

The European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee has today formally adopted a political compromise on its proposed new law to tackle child sexual abuse online. In legislative terms, it is a significant breakthrough on this very sensitive issue that had risked becoming dead-locked. This new proposal offers a new way forward that protects children and privacy. It has the potential to be agreed by a wide range of stakeholders.

**UPDATE 22 NOVEMBER  This position has been formally adopted by the European Parliament. Negotiations with the Council of Ministers can begin.**

Read more: EU law set for new course on child online safety

A political agreement in the European Parliament hopes to resolve the heated discourse over end-to-end encryption and protecting children online. It's a pragmatic way forward that aims to both safeguard against child abuse and maintain confidentiality of communications. It's not yet over the line but from a human rights perspective, it's heading in the right direction.

Read more: MEPs reach political agreement to protect children and privacy