Client-Side Scanning: A Trojan Horse for Encryption?

Client-side scanning (CSS), often touted as a child safety feature, actually undermines the very promise of encryption. These scanning tools are prone to errors and create new security vulnerabilities. Even if initially limited to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), the scope can easily expand to monitor other conversations. Weakening encryption multiplies risks: hackers can steal data, abusers can track vulnerable individuals, and authoritarian regimes can spy on journalists, activists, and citizens. CSS doesn't make people safer; it makes everyone less secure.