European Parliament rejects extension of Chat Control rules on message scanning
The European Parliament has voted against extending temporary rules that allow platforms to scan private messages for child abuse material, leaving the framework set to expire in April 2026.
On 25 March 2026, the European Parliament voted against extending the temporary regime often referred to as ‘Chat Control 1.0’, which allows online platforms to voluntarily scan private messages for child sexual abuse material under an exception to EU privacy rules.
The proposal was rejected with 311 votes against, 228 in favour, and 92 abstentions. As a result, the current framework is due to expire on 3 April 2026, unless new legislation is adopted.
The rejected measure would have prolonged the existing system while negotiations continue on a permanent EU law on child sexual abuse. Under the current rules, companies may scan both encrypted and non-encrypted communications on a voluntary basis. Earlier discussions in Parliament supported a limited extension, but only if safeguards were introduced to restrict broad or indiscriminate monitoring.
The vote highlighted divisions among political groups. The European People’s Party supported extending and strengthening the rules, arguing they are necessary to detect and prevent online abuse. Other groups, including Socialists & Democrats, parts of Renew Europe, the Greens, and The Left, raised concerns about privacy risks and the potential for large-scale monitoring of private communications.
With the temporary rules set to lapse, there is uncertainty about how platforms and authorities will handle the detection of illegal content in private messages. Some organisations view the expiry as restoring stronger privacy protections, while others warn it may reduce the ability to identify and report abuse unless a new legal framework is agreed.
