EU Parliament rejects Chat Control message scanning | Computer Weekly
Summary
The European Parliament voted to reject an extension that allowed tech platforms to mass-scan private messages for illegal content, with 311 MEPs against, 228 in favour and 92 abstaining. The decision ends the interim permission that let companies like Meta and Google carry out indiscriminate scanning; law enforcement can still surveil private messages when they obtain judicial warrants and may scan public posts and files. Critics warned the proposals would weaken encryption and cyber security, researchers found the PhotoDNA tool unreliable, and leaked legal advice raised questions about the measures' lawfulness. Negotiations continue on a permanent ‘Chat Control 2.0’ regulation, while the Parliament pushes for targeted child-protection measures that respect fundamental rights.
