EU Adopts Stricter CSA Laws

In a decisive move to combat child sexual abuse (CSA), the European Parliament has adopted new legislative measures aimed at enhancing EU countries’ ability to address these crimes effectively. The updated rules focus on adapting to technological advancements and closing legal loopholes that have hindered prosecutions.

On June 17, 2025, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted overwhelmingly in favor of these updates, which include higher maximum penalties for various forms of abuse, the abolition of limitation periods for reporting crimes, and a new definition of consent for minors above the age of consent. The new measures aim to ensure that victims have ample time to come forward, as statistics reveal that most victims report abuse long after it occurs.

The legislation also introduces provisions to criminalize the use of artificial intelligence systems designed for CSA crimes, as well as the livestreaming and online dissemination of CSA material. Furthermore, it allows for more effective investigation methods, such as undercover operations and covert surveillance.

The European Parliament’s rapporteur, Jeroen Lenaers, emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “We are criminalizing child sexual abuse manuals, and lifelike AI material will be treated the same as real material. We also need to abolish the statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes because there can be no deadline on justice.”

With 599 votes in favor, the European Parliament’s position sets the stage for negotiations with the Council, scheduled to begin on June 23, to finalize the law’s text. This initiative is part of a broader effort to harmonize definitions and penalties across EU member states, ensuring a united front against child sexual exploitation both online and offline.