Warning against intrusive online surveillance in the name of child safety

While the goal of protecting children from online coercion is laudable, the methods proposed to combat these networks risk undermining privacy and civil liberties. Expanding police access to encrypted chats and mandatory age verification could set a precedent for broader government surveillance. Critics warn that such measures may not only be ineffective—predators will migrate to other platforms—but also expose all users to monitoring. There is a danger that laws rushed through in response to a crisis create loopholes for overreach. Instead, alternatives like better digital literacy education, non-encrypted reporting tools, and targeted police warrants offer a balanced approach. The focus should be on holding platforms accountable for their role in enabling these networks, rather than granting unprecedented surveillance powers. Any new regulations must be carefully designed to protect both children and fundamental rights to privacy.