European Parliament Extends ‘Chat Control’ Bill Despite Majority Opposition
On July 9, 2026, the European Parliament voted to extend legislation allowing tech companies to voluntarily scan users’ private messages for child sexual abuse material, despite a majority of lawmakers voting against the proposal. The ruling reinstates permissions for firms including Meta, Google, and Microsoft to scan private text, email, and social media messages through a bill nicknamed “Chat Control” by critics. End-to-end encrypted chats, such as those on WhatsApp and Signal, remain exempt.
The Vote: A Procedural Maneuver Overrides Popular Will
While more Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted against the regulation on Thursday than voted for it, they fell short of the absolute majority of 361 votes needed to block it by 47 votes. The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, resorted to an “urgent procedure” that skips preliminary committee debates and stipulates that the regulation passes unless an absolute majority votes against it. The EPP has been battling to bring back tech firms’ legal basis to scan messages since a prior law expired in April.
Privacy vs. Child Protection: The Core Debate
EPP vice-chair Tomas Tobé told lawmakers, “We cannot go to the summer recess knowing that our children are not protected.” However, critics argue the legislation undermines privacy. Simeon de Brouwer, policy advisor at European Digital Rights, told WIRED, “It will mean that private companies may deny your right to have confidential digital conversations. They could, if they want to, read every message you write, every email you send, every picture you share.”
What the Ruling Means for Tech Companies and Users
Tech companies will now retain the right to scan messages for child sexual abuse detection until 2028, or until permanent legislation—already dubbed “Chat Control” by critics—replaces it. The EPP claims firms’ voluntary detection activities have helped identify and rescue victims of online child sexual abuse, and disallowing them leaves children unprotected.
Exemptions for Encrypted Services
End-to-end encrypted chats on platforms like WhatsApp and Signal remain exempt from scanning, a key concession to privacy advocates. The legislation specifically targets unencrypted or server-side messages.
Reactions and Future Implications
Civil rights activists have condemned the outcome. Former MEP Patrick Breyer called the ruling a “farce” that “damages democracy.” He added, “Our children are the real losers in this undemocratic process. 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 permanent legislation in discussion is expected to face continued fierce opposition from privacy advocates and some political groups.