The European Parliament voted on July 8, 2026, to allow mass scanning of private messages until April 3, 2028, despite a majority of MEPs opposing the measure. This decision represents a significant setback for digital privacy in the EU, as it permits warrantless scanning of private communications on platforms like Gmail, Snapchat, and Skype, setting a precedent for mass surveillance. The motion to reject the scanning law failed because it required an absolute majority of all 705 MEPs (361 votes), not just those present; only 314 voted against, 276 in favor, 17 abstentions, and 113 were absent.
Background
Chat Control refers to a set of EU regulations aimed at detecting child sexual abuse material in online communications. The original proposal (Chat Control 1.0) from 2022 allowed voluntary scanning by tech companies. Despite previous rejections, a procedural loophole—requiring an absolute majority to block the legislation—allowed it to pass on the last day before summer break, when many MEPs had already left.
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Discussion
Commenters expressed outrage at the procedural maneuver, calling it anti-democratic and a threat to privacy. Some highlighted that the vote was scheduled just before summer break to reduce attendance, and noted the irony of the EU becoming 'totalitarian' while claiming to protect children.