Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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1626. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on client-side scanning which has been debated within the EU parliament and at various EU committees; his further views on the knock-on implications for data protection and privacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45875/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for his question regarding the proposed Regulation laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse.

The proposed Regulation seeks to establish a harmonised legal framework, which will set out the responsibilities for providers to assess and mitigate risks and, where necessary, to detect, report and remove such abuse on their services. The proposal builds on the Digital Services Act, which lays down horizontal rules in relation to illegal content and complements it with provisions to address the specific challenges posed by child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online.

I strongly support the introduction of robust legislation at EU level to tackle online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Ireland supports the fundamental principles underlying the Commission proposal, i.e. that it should apply to all forms of online child sexual abuse, and that it should be technology-neutral, and applicable to all relevant services.

While negotiations are on-going in relation to this proposal, I am satisfied with the safeguards contained in the text in respect of privacy and data protection, particularly the necessity that detection orders be issued by a court, having taken into account the fundamental rights of all parties.

As the prevalence of online child sexual exploitation and abuse continues to grow, the need for effective legislation and international co-operation becomes all the more important.

Online service providers must be empowered and, where necessary, compelled to detect, remove and report such abuse on their platforms.

I support the draft Regulation’s intention to place a mandatory obligation on all service providers, rather than leave any ambiguity about the responsibilities service providers have to address child sexual abuse and exploitation on their services.

I also recognise the privacy concerns associated with the proposal, and much of the negotiations have focused on ensuring that users’ rights to privacy are appropriately balanced with the protection of children and of child victims of abuse.