The EU Commission has set its sights on a groundbreaking goal – decrypting private data by 2030. This bold move is part of the ProtectEU strategy, which aims to provide law enforcement with effective and lawful access to citizens’ data.
The Roadmap presented by the EU Commission on June 24, 2025, outlines a detailed plan on how the bloc intends to achieve this significant milestone. However, privacy experts are already expressing concerns about the implications of such decryption efforts.
### Decrypting Private Data: A Controversial Move
The ProtectEU strategy is designed to enhance the security of the European bloc in the coming years. It originated from the work of the High-Level Group (HLG) under the Going Dark initiative, commissioned by the EU Council in June 2023. The group was tasked with developing a strategic plan for law enforcement’s access to data.
In March 2025, their final report highlighted end-to-end encryption as a major hurdle for law enforcement agencies. Technologies like VPN services and encrypted messaging apps have posed challenges for investigations, leading to calls for decryption solutions.
### Key Focus Areas of the Roadmap
1. **Data Retention:** The EU Commission plans to extend data retention obligations and enhance cooperation between service providers and authorities.
2. **Lawful Interception:** Measures will be explored to improve cross-border cooperation for intercepting data legally by 2027.
3. **Digital Forensics:** Technical solutions are being developed for analyzing and preserving digital evidence stored on electronic devices.
4. **Decryption Technology:** A Technology Roadmap on encryption will be unveiled next year to identify viable decryption solutions for Europol officers from 2030.
5. **Standardisation Efforts:** Collaboration with industry stakeholders and law enforcement practitioners will set new standards for internal security procedures.
6. **AI Solutions:** By 2028, lawmakers aim to promote AI tools that facilitate processing large volumes of seized data efficiently.
### Expert Insights: Concerns Over Decryption Initiatives
Experts have voiced apprehensions about decrypting private data due to potential cybersecurity risks associated with creating vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Robin Wilton from Internet Society cautioned against decryption techniques that might compromise cybersecurity practices and urged policymakers to prioritize strong encryption as a cornerstone of digital security.
### Striking a Balance Between Security and Privacy
While governments globally combat rising cyber threats through encrypted services, proposals like the Chat Control bill have faced resistance due to concerns over compromising privacy safeguards provided by encryption technologies.
EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner emphasized finding a delicate balance between enabling efficient law enforcement access while upholding privacy rights and cybersecurity standards.
In navigating these complex challenges, experts stress that robust encryption remains pivotal in safeguarding digital integrity without compromising security measures essential for protecting users’ information online.
