EU Takes Bold Step Against Child Sexual Abuse: New Rules to Address AI, Consent, and Justice
- maria tsaousi
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
In a powerful move to combat child sexual abuse (CSA), the European Parliament has adopted an ambitious set of new rules aimed at strengthening protections for children, adapting to emerging technologies, and ensuring justice is never out of reach for survivors.
With an overwhelming 599 votes in favour, the updated legislation signals a unified commitment across the EU to modernise how these crimes are defined, investigated, and punished.
Why This Matters
CSA is a deeply traumatic crime that often takes years—sometimes decades—for victims to report. In an era where technology can be used to manipulate, exploit, and deceive, laws need to keep pace. This legislative package is designed not only to close loopholes but to make justice more accessible and effective.
Key Changes at a Glance
1. Harsher Penalties for CSA Offences
Stronger sentencing for crimes including:
Non-consensual sexual activity with minors over the age of consent.
Recruiting children for prostitution.
Possession, distribution, or monetisation of CSA material.
2. No Expiry Date for Justice
Abolition of statutes of limitation: Victims can come forward whenever they’re ready.
The right to seek compensation is now indefinite.
3. Tackling Abuse in the Digital Age
AI-generated child abuse material will now be treated as a criminal offence.
CSA livestreaming and online dissemination receive targeted legal treatment.
Undercover and covert surveillance methods will be legally supported in investigations.
4. Clarifying Consent and Protecting Teens
A new legal definition of consent specifically addresses minors above the legal age of consent.
Peer-to-peer interactions are not criminalised—unless trust, power, or dependency is exploited.
Catfishing as a peer is now an aggravating factor under the law.
5. Comprehensive Victim Support
Free services, including medical exams, mental health support, and access to justice, will be guaranteed.
Based on the Barnahus model, child-friendly services will be unified under one roof.
NGOs and civil society groups will be empowered to report suspected abuse.
What the Lawmakers Are Saying
Rapporteur Jeroen Lenaers (EPP, Netherlands) captured the gravity of the moment:
“We can never be ambitious enough when it comes to protecting children. There can be no deadline on justice.”
What’s Next?
The European Parliament will now enter negotiations with the Council of the EU—set to begin June 23, 2025—to finalise the law. A separate regulation specifically targeting online CSA content is also under discussion.
A Child-Centered Future
This reform reflects a changing world—one where AI, social media, and dark corners of the internet pose new threats to children’s safety. By removing time limits for reporting abuse, expanding the legal definitions of CSA, and ensuring every child has access to care and justice, the EU is sending a clear message: children come first, no matter how long it takes or how sophisticated the crime.
Let’s hope the rest of the world follows suit.
Comments