The European Parliament has reinstated the right of big tech companies to scan private messages for child sexual abuse material, even though a majority of lawmakers voted against the measure. The so-called 'Chat Control' bill passed due to a procedural loophole: an absolute majority of 361 votes was needed to block it, and opponents fell short by 47 votes, with 314 in favor and 183 against.
Majority Vote Not Enough: The Procedural Trick That Passed Chat Control
The urgent procedure, invoked by the European People's Party (EPP) after talks collapsed in March, skipped preliminary committee debates where amendments are typically introduced. While more MEPs voted against than for the regulation, it still passed because the threshold was not met. The EPP, the largest political group, has been pushing to restore the legal basis for voluntary message scanning since the previous law expired in April, arguing it has helped rescue child victims of online abuse.
Sponsored Protocol
What Changes for Meta, Google, and Microsoft: Scanning Private Messages
The ruling allows companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft to scan texts, emails, and social media messages for illegal content until 2028, or until permanent legislation is approved. End-to-end encrypted chats, such as those on WhatsApp and Signal, remain exempt. Simeon de Brouwer, policy adviser at European Digital Rights, warned that 'private companies may deny your right to have confidential digital conversations. They could read every message you write, every email you send, every picture you share.' A recent Nextcloud data leak exposed 367,000 records, highlighting the risks of digital surveillance.
Sponsored Protocol
Privacy Advocates React: 'A Farce That Damages Democracy'
Civil rights activist and former MEP Patrick Breyer called the decision 'a farce that damages democracy.' In a blog post, he stated: 'Trying to protect children with suspicionless mass surveillance is like frantically mopping the floor while the faucet is still running. Blanket chat control is just as unacceptable as indiscriminately opening everyone’s physical mail.' The vote faced fierce opposition from other parties and civil liberties groups, who see it as a dangerous precedent for mass surveillance. The Madison Square Garden spying scandal, where celebrities were tracked in a secret database, illustrates how personal data can be misused.
Sponsored Protocol
The Future of Digital Surveillance in Europe: Toward Permanent Legislation
The temporary measure will remain in force until 2028, unless replaced by a permanent law already dubbed 'Chat Control' by critics. The EPP argued it could not go on summer break without protecting children, but activists denounce a severe privacy violation. According to a WIRED report, the decision marks a turning point for digital surveillance in Europe, with implications beyond child protection. The debate is far from over, as citizens and advocacy groups prepare for legal and political battles to defend communication privacy.
