Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has voiced strong opposition to the European Union’s proposed “chat control” legislation, warning that the initiative poses a direct threat to digital privacy and weakens the overall security of online communications. The controversial bill aims to scan private messages for prohibited content, but experts and critics argue it opens the door to mass surveillance and government overreach.
In his statement, Buterin emphasized that privacy in personal communication is a fundamental prerequisite for digital security. Introducing backdoors for law enforcement, he argued, will inevitably lead to vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, putting all users at risk — including law-abiding citizens. He further condemned the proposal’s exemption for government officials, military personnel, and intelligence staff, calling it a clear act of hypocrisy.
The bill has already secured support from 15 EU member states, yet it still lacks the required population-based majority. All eyes are now on Germany, whose stance is expected to determine the final outcome of the proposal. If passed, the law would mark a significant departure from Europe’s longstanding tradition of defending personal freedoms and data protection, enshrined in Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Critics warn that mandatory message scanning would fundamentally undermine Europe’s credibility as a defender of human rights in the digital sphere. Decentralized Web3 platforms may stand to gain as users seek alternatives to centralized services. As Hans Rempel, CEO of Diode, put it: “The slogan ‘not your keys, not your data’ is more relevant than ever.” Similarly, Elisenda Fabrega of Brickken noted that passing such a law could erode Europe’s influence over global standards in digital privacy.
Buterin’s criticism aligns with a growing movement across Europe urging citizens and policymakers to reject the legislation. Opponents argue that it risks transforming encrypted communication into a surveillance tool, ultimately weakening cybersecurity for millions of Europeans.
Conclusion: The EU’s chat control bill is shaping up to be a decisive battle between state-driven security measures and the right to privacy in digital communication. As Buterin and other experts highlight, creating backdoors in encrypted systems may offer short-term investigative benefits but carries long-term risks that could compromise security for everyone. Whether Germany blocks or supports the legislation will decide not just the bill’s fate, but also Europe’s role as a global leader in digital rights and online privacy.
