technology
EU Parliament Extends Voluntary Message-Scanning Law Until 2028 Despite Majority Opposition
The European Parliament voted to reinstate voluntary scanning of private messages by tech firms for child sexual abuse material. A majority opposed the measure but it passed after falling 47 votes short of the 361 needed to block it under urgent procedure rules. The permission applies until 2028.
Jul 9, 9:55 AM·1m read2 sources
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The European Parliament voted to extend legislation allowing tech companies to voluntarily scan users' private messages for child sexual abuse material, Wired reported. A majority of lawmakers voted against the proposal, yet it passed because opponents fell short of the absolute majority of 361 votes by 47.
The ruling reinstates permissions for Meta, Google, and Microsoft to scan private text, email, and social media messages.
End-to-end encrypted chats on services such as WhatsApp and Signal remain exempt. The European People's Party used a procedural maneuver to force fresh votes after talks collapsed in March. The prior law had expired in April.
The extension allows scanning to continue until 2028 or until permanent legislation replaces it. Simeon de Brouwer, policy advisor at European Digital Rights, stated that private companies may deny the right to confidential digital conversations. Tomas Tobé, European People's Party vice-chair, said the group could not go to the summer recess knowing that children are not protected.
Patrick Breyer, civil rights activist and former MEP, called the ruling a farce which damages democracy.
