EU Chat Control 2025 – Impact on Dutch companies

What is EU Chat Control?

EU Chat Control is draft legislation that could require providers of messaging apps, cloud storage and email services to perform automated scans on all communications. The goal: to detect harmful or illegal content. This could include end-to-end encrypted chats (such as WhatsApp and Signal), as well as emails and file sharing.

For Dutch companies, this means that business communications may be monitored, raising questions about confidentiality, data protection and legal compliance.

How does it work?

• Client-side scanning: messages are scanned before encryption.
• AI detection: artificial intelligence analyzes content for prohibited material.
• Reporting requirement: suspicious content is automatically forwarded to authorities.

This can lead to:

• False positives (innocent communications that seem suspicious).
• Risks to trade secrets due to possible access to confidential data.
• Additional compliance burdens for organizations that need to keep their IT processes AVG-proof.

 

Challenges for Dutch companies

1. Privacy & AVG: How does this relate to the AVG and the Personal Data Authority guidelines?
2. Data security: What happens to company-sensitive data that is unfairly flagged?
3. Compliance in healthcare & finance: Sectors with NEN7510 or DNB requirements are at extra risk.
4. SME impact: Small businesses without an in-house CISO have limited resources to mitigate risks.

 

ROI & Risk

Companies should consider:

• Compliance costs: additional audits, new encryption and monitoring tools.
• Reputational risks: when sensitive information accidentally ends up with authorities.
• Operational risks: erroneous blocking of legitimate communications can disrupt business processes.

At the same time, proactive preparation can lead to cost savings and customer confidence. Companies that are demonstrably compliant create competitive advantage.
 

How ALTA-ICT helps

At ALTA-ICT, we support Dutch organizations with: ✅ ISO27001 & NEN7510 compliance processes
✅ Data security audits specifically focused on privacy by design
✅ 24/7 monitoring through our SOC services
✅ Awareness training so employees understand what is changing

Thanks to our experience in healthcare, government and SMEs, we provide a practical implementation that is both secure and compliant.
 

FAQ

1. Does this also apply to business communications?
Yes, in principle, scanning applies to all digital communications, including business apps.

2. Doesn’t this violate the AVG?
Debate is ongoing: critics argue that chat control runs counter to privacy laws. Exceptions and adjustments are still being discussed.

3. Can companies get around this?
No, if the law is passed, providers will be required to implement it.

4. When will this be implemented?
The proposal is scheduled for October 2025, but this is subject to change.

5. What should my company do now?
Start with a risk analysis and take measures around encryption, data security and compliance.
 

Conclusion

EU chat control legislation could dramatically change the way Dutch companies communicate. Whether you are an SME exchanging confidential customer data or a financial institution under DNB supervision, preparation is key.

At ALTA-ICT, we ensure that your organization is not only compliant, but also comes out of this change stronger and safer.

👉 Schedule a free consultation today and find out how we can prepare your business.