VPN Trust Initiative Submits “Encryption at Risk” Paper to European Commission Consultation Amid EU Chat Control Debate

Washington, DC – Sep 10, 2025

— The Internet Infrastructure Coalition’s VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) today released and formally submitted a new position paper, “Encryption at Risk: Why Weakening Digital Security Endangers Us All”, to the European Commission’s ongoing public consultation on Data Retention by Service Providers for Criminal Proceedings.

The release comes just two days before the European Parliament’s scheduled vote on the controversial “Chat Control” regulation, which would mandate scanning of private communications, including end-to-end encrypted services. VTI emphasized that the consultation provides a critical and timely opportunity for European policymakers to hear directly from industry, civil society, and digital rights advocates on why strong encryption must not be compromised.

“Encryption is the foundation of trust in the digital age,” said Emilija Beržanskaitė, Co-Chair of the VPN Trust Initiative. “With the European Parliament set to vote on Chat Control and the Commission reviewing data retention rules, the stakes could not be higher. Weakening encryption doesn’t make us safer—it makes every citizen, every business, and every government more vulnerable. Europe must hear this message now.”

The new VTI paper documents real-world precedents where lawful access mechanisms were abused, highlights systemic vulnerabilities in “exceptional access” schemes, and provides constructive recommendations for policymakers. These include:

• Rejecting legislation that mandates encryption backdoors or client-side scanning;

• Preserving strong encryption standards without exceptions;

• Strengthening proportionate investigative capabilities that do not require weakening encryption, such as lawful decryption of data already stored in accessible form, metadata analysis, and improved cross-border cooperation.

“Encryption either protects everyone or it protects no one,” Beržanskaitė added. “Governments worldwide — and especially in Europe this week — must lead from an informed position and defend strong encryption as a cornerstone of privacy, digital trust, and democratic values.”

The full position paper, “Encryption at Risk: Why Weakening Digital Security Endangers Us All”, is available here.

 

About the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI)

The VPN Trust Initiative, a project of the Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition), is an industry-led consortium that promotes online safety and privacy by improving transparency, standards, and public understanding across the VPN industry.

 

About the Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition)

The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition) is the leading voice for companies that build and maintain the Internet’s infrastructure, including web hosts, data centers, cloud infrastructure providers, domain registrars and registries, and managed service providers. We advocate for policies that keep the Internet open, secure, and resilient, enabling innovation and economic growth worldwide. Learn more at i2coalition.com.

 

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