Cover letter as a copy template against chat control

Open letter

Subject: Stop chat control – Protect our fundamental rights!

Dear politicians,

On October 14, 2025, a decision will be made that will determine the future of our fundamental digital rights in Europe: the vote on the so-called Chat Control Regulation (CSA Regulation) in the EU Council. I am addressing you today with deep concern to urge you to clearly reject this dangerous draft law.

Chat control: An attack on our fundamental digital rights

The current Danish proposal for chat control goes far beyond all previous drafts and creates an Orwellian surveillance infrastructure in Europe:

- Mandatory scanning of all private communications – including encrypted chats
- AI-based search for "unknown" content – not just known illegal materials
- End-to-end encryption is effectively circumvented by backdoors and client-side scanning
- 450 million EU citizens under general suspicion without any concrete reason

What is particularly perfidious is that while governments and the military are exempt from this surveillance, the data of all citizens and companies are to be examined.

Why chat control is unconstitutional

The legal concerns are overwhelming:

1. Violation of EU law: The EU Parliament's legal experts have found that the proposal violates Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
2. Disproportionate mass surveillance: Similar to data retention, which has been declared illegal several times
3. Violation of fundamental rights: Mass surveillance of unsuspected persons without cause
4. Likely annulment: The ECJ will most likely declare the law illegal

Germany as the deciding factor

Germany plays the decisive role! A German abstention or a clear "no" vote would create a blocking minority and stop chat control. The numbers are clear:

- In favor: 14 states (including France, Spain, Italy)
- Against: 6 states (including the Netherlands, Austria, Poland)
- Undecided: 7 states – especially Germany

According to a leaked memo, even the EU Council's own lawyers believe that the draft law violates fundamental rights and will not stand up in court.

The facts are clear

Over 500 leading researchers from 34 countries have warned EU governments against chat control in an open letter. They describe the procedure as "technically unsuitable" and a violation of fundamental rights.

The 69 opposing votes from EU politicians, member states, technology companies, and even child protection experts speak volumes. In addition, over 80 NGOs and nearly 500 researchers have signed open letters.

Fatal consequences for digital security

Paradoxically, chat control would achieve the exact opposite of its stated goals:

- Signal, WhatsApp and other secure messengers threaten to withdraw from Europe
- Millions of people would be forced to use insecure communication channels
- IT security is weakened instead of strengthened
- Criminals easily circumvent surveillance while innocent people are monitored

Lobbying instead of child protection

Research has revealed that AI companies and law enforcement agencies have invested over $24 million in lobbying for chat control. The real beneficiary is not child protection, but the surveillance industry.

We achieve real child protection through:
- Prevention work on site
- Awareness and education
- Trauma-sensitive help for those affected
- Targeted investigations in case of concrete suspicion
- Fast deletion of illegal content

Not through mass surveillance of all citizens!

Our clear demand to you

Vote against chat control on October 14!

1. Reject any proposal that weakens encrypted communication
2. Protect the right to privacy and secure communication
3. Rely on real child protection measures instead of mass surveillance
4. Defend the fundamental digital rights of 450 million EU citizens

The paradox is obvious

While the German government is spending 1.5 million euros on the development of post-quantum encryption, it is simultaneously attempting to destroy the encryption through chat control. This contradiction is unacceptable!

Time for a clear positioning

The new federal government hasn't taken a clear position yet. This must change! The coalition agreement speaks of "fundamental" protection of communications – this "fundamental" must not be misused as a backdoor for surveillance.

Minister of the Interior Dobrindt, Minister of Justice Hubig, Minister of Digital Affairs Wildberger: The time for silence is over! Germany needs a clear, unequivocal rejection of chat control.

Europe is at a crossroads

With chat control, Europe faces a choice between:
- Security and fundamental rights or surveillance and control
- Trust in democracy or state omnipotence
- Innovative digital economy or digital Stone Age

Germany must be on the right side of history!

Our appeal

Chat control doesn't make us safer – it makes us more vulnerable!

Encryption is the foundation of our digital security. It protects:
- Trade secrets from industrial espionage
- Journalists from persecution
- Politicians from blackmail
- Citizens from criminals
- Dissidents before authoritarian regimes

Whoever weakens encryption weakens our democracy!

Time is running out

You must act by October 9th! After that, it's too late. Use your voice to stop chat control and defend our fundamental digital rights.

History will judge you by whether you voted for surveillance or for freedom.

We urge you: Vote NO to chat control!

---

With concerned greetings and the urgent request for a clear position

[Your name]