Statement by the President of Telefono Azzurro, Ernesto Caffo, on the vote of the European Parliament and on the consequences of the failure to extend the transitional regulation for the protection of minors online.

Rome, 26 March 2026 – This morning, the European Parliament voted against extending the transitional regulation that allows online platforms to voluntarily detect, remove, and report child sexual abuse content on their services (EU Regulation 2021/1232), just days before the current law is set to expire on 3rd April.

The failure to support the extension of the Regulation creates a legal gap for providers in continuing to voluntarily monitor and analyze content for child sexual abuse material. Without the transitional framework, platforms will halt all detection activities that over the past ten years have contributed significantly to the protection of minors online. Investigative authorities rely heavily on these reports: according to recent statistics, approximately 80% of relevant cases originate from these sources.

«The failure to extend this vital piece of legislation poses the greatest tangible risk to the protection of children online in the last ten years.This morning’s vote in the European Parliament was overshadowed by an ideological and partisan debate that took precedence over the protection of minors online and runs entirely counter to recent decisions by U.S. courts regarding the activities of major platforms. The proactive and structured detection of abuse has proven to be an essential tool in supporting investigations and safeguarding the lives of children and adolescents. Now, without a clear legal basis, we risk weakening preventive action in the digital environment, with potentially serious repercussions for minors, who have always been the most vulnerable»

–Professor Ernesto Caffo, President of SOS Il Telefono Azzurro Foundation ETS.

«The failure to extend this Regulation, which Telefono Azzurro has consistently supported, raises deep concern and alarm. As the only Trusted Flagger in Italy, recognized by platforms and European authorities for the priority reporting of CSAM, the lack of extension puts at risk the strategic role Telefono Azzurro plays, reducing the effectiveness of our reporting and our ability to protect minors quickly and in a targeted way»

 

Professor Caffo concluded.

For Telefono Azzurro, it is essential that European institutions swiftly reach an agreement on a permanent legal framework that is effective, respectful of fundamental rights, and capable of ensuring real and sustainable protection for every child and young person in the digital environment.