Knowledge base
October 10, 2025
Signal – What Chat Control Means for Privacy
Intro: Privacy under pressure in Europe
Imagine: one of the most privacy-focused chat services, Signal, is threatening to withdraw from the European Union. Why? The EU is working on a bill that introduces “chat control” – a far-reaching measure in which messages are automatically scanned for harmful content such as CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material).
While the intent is noble, critics – including Signal – are sounding the alarm: it means the end of end-to-end encryption and private communication as we know it.
For Dutch companies, IT managers and privacy officers, this is not fringe news, but a potential compliance nightmare.
At ALTA-ICT, we help organizations stay AVG-compliant, keeping in mind new EU regulations like this one.
What is Chat Control and why is it controversial?
Chat Control, officially known as the EU CSAM regulation, requires technology companies to scan messages on devices for explicit child material.
Why it is relevant in the Netherlands:
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AVG/GDPR conflict: Chat control runs counter to privacy principles.
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Zero-trust encryption under fire: E2E encryption would be bypassed.
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Legal gray area: violation of Article 8 ECHR (right to privacy).
For Dutch SMEs that depend on secure communication platforms, this is a wake-up call. Especially in sectors such as healthcare (NEN7510), government (BIO) or financial services (Wwft), where confidentiality is crucial.
What can companies in the Netherlands do now?
Step 1: Security & compliance assessment
Take stock of which communication platforms you use. Is Signal, WhatsApp or Telegram in your stack? Examine whether these still meet your corporate security requirements under changing EU legislation.
Step 2: AVG reassessment
Have your existing data protection impact assessment (DPIA) updated to include the potential impact of client-side scanning.
Step 3: Identify alternatives.
Think self-hosted solutions or platforms with zero-knowledge encryption. ALTA-ICT helps you make a vendor-neutral comparison.
Step 4: Awareness & training
Implement security awareness programs. Chat control also affects employee behavior.
Risks if you do nothing
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Breach of confidentiality (think customer communications in finance or eHealth)
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Fines due to AVG violations
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Reputational damage from data incidents
The ALTA-ICT approach
At ALTA-ICT, we take privacy seriously. Our approach:
AVG & ISO27001 compliant consulting projects
Security monitoring with 24/7 SOC services
Zero-trust implementation for communication platforms
Awareness training specifically for Dutch companies
“We combine legal compliance with technical protection – keeping your organization secure and future-proof.”
What does this yield?
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Up to 60% less risk of data breach with end-to-end encryption systems
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Average 30% faster DPIA approval through structured approach
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Reducing legal costs by proactively adapting to regulations
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What does chat control mean for my organization?
If you use external communication platforms, your data may soon be accessed by third parties – possibly in violation of the AVG.
Is Signal really planning to leave the EU?
Yes. Signal has indicated they will withdraw if this law passes – they refuse to change their encryption policy.
What are alternatives to Signal?
Self-hosted Matrix servers, Threema or apps with post-quantum encryption.
What is ALTA-ICT doing about this?
We offer consultations, DPIA updates, security assessments and alternatives that fit within Dutch compliance frameworks.
Conclusion
The proposed EU Chat Control law could have major implications for privacy and IT security in the Netherlands. Companies that already rely on secure communications should anticipate, not wait and see.
Let ALTA-ICT be your partner in this new reality.
Schedule your free privacy & security consultation now
Want to know if your communications solution is future-proof? Book a free strategy call with one of our privacy experts:
📧 info@alta-ict.nl
📞 088-0333100
🌐 www.alta-ict.nl/gratis-consultatie
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