MEPs will vote on Tuesday to update EU-wide legislation on child sexual abuse crimes to account for technological advances and to improve victim support.
The legislation would revise the definitions of crimes to take account of new technological realities, raise certain maximum punishments, and provide better support to victims.
The draft law criminalises child sexual abuse instruction manuals and artificially-created deepfake imagery.
In the draft position adopted by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, MEPs proposed the removal of limitations on the length of time victims have to report a crime, so they have enough time to come forward with their experiences.
MEPs also want to introduce a new definition of consent for children who are above the age of sexual consent.
In addition to the directive, a separate regulation on child sexual abuse is also being discussed by lawmakers.
Parliament adopted its position on the draft regulation in 2023; legislative talks can begin once the European Council reaches a common position
