Last week European Parliament adopted its position on the Recast CSEA Directive, clearly demonstrating its trust in and recognition of INHOPE hotlines as key partners in the fight against child sexual abuse online.


In 2011, the European Union took a crucial step in protecting children online by adopting the child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) Directive. This binding legal act required EU Member States to strengthen their national laws against the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

However, with the online landscape evolving rapidly, that directive has become outdated. In response, the European Commission proposed a Recast of the CSEA Directive in 2024, aiming to modernise and reinforce the EU’s approach. This new proposal marked a significant milestone for national hotlines, as it was the first time EU legislation explicitly recognised their role. Article 5 of the proposal requires Member States to authorise organisations acting in the public interest against child sexual abuse (such as hotlines) to undertake necessary actions to combat the distribution and hosting of CSAM.

Based on feedback from its members, INHOPE welcomed the Commission’s proposal, while also recommending important changes to ensure hotlines are effectively empowered across all EU countries. These suggestions were shared with the European Parliament, which last week adopted its official position on the CSEA Directive. The Parliament not only echoed many of INHOPE’s recommendations but also proposed stronger safeguards and clearer legal recognition for hotlines.

Key highlights include:

• Stronger legal framework: Member States must establish a legal framework for hotline operations and allow multiple hotlines per country.
• Expanded legal mandate: Hotlines must be authorised to carry out all core activities listed in the article, ensuring consistency across the EU.
• Broadened scope of work: Hotlines will have the right to request Notice & Takedown of CSAM, in addition to receiving reports, analysing material, and working with law enforcement and international partners.
• Recognition of INHOPE hotlines: A new recital (20a) explicitly refers to INHOPE hotlines when interpreting Article 5.
• Inclusive CSAM definition: Proposal to remove the “visual” limitation for a more comprehensive approach.

What happens next?

The Council of the European Union is expected to adopt its own position in the coming months. Once this is in place, negotiations between the Commission, Parliament, and Council will begin to finalise the legislation. INHOPE will continue, in a limited capacity, to monitor the legal process and update members on key developments.