The European Parliament has paved the way for the extension of Chat Control until 2028. This regime allows platforms to voluntarily scan certain private communications to detect child criminal content. The text, however, revives a central battle in Europe: protecting children without weakening encryption and privacy.
In brief
- Chat Control is extended until 2028 at parliamentary level.
- The device concerns the voluntary scanning of certain communications.
- The debate over encryption and privacy remains unresolved.
Chat Control returns despite strong opposition
Chat Control has reached a new milestone in the European Parliament. The text had already been narrowly rejected in March, then relaunched through a highly contested political procedure. This new vote extends the debate around message control.
The result is paradoxical. A majority of MEPs voted against the extension, with 314 votes to stop it against 276 to maintain it. But an absolute majority of 361 votes was needed to block the text. The opponents therefore won politically, but lost legally. This mechanism fuels criticism. Several defenders of digital freedoms denounce an institutional maneuver which makes it possible to maintain an already contested system, without real parliamentary consensus.
Chat Control 1.0 is based on a temporary exemption from the ePrivacy regulation. It authorizes certain digital service providers to detect, report and remove illegal content linked to the exploitation of minors.
The crucial point lies in the voluntary nature of the system. Platforms are not required to scan all conversations. They can do this within a specific legal framework, with automated tools and internal procedures.
The version adopted by Parliament also excludes end-to-end encrypted services. WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram are therefore not targeted as in the scenarios most feared by encryption defenders. This nuance is not enough to put an end to the controversy. For critics, even voluntary scanning can install a culture of private surveillance. It can also create errors, false positives and political pressure to gradually expand the scope.
Chat Control divides security and privacy
Supporters of Chat Control defend a logic of continuity. They believe that a legal vacuum would weaken the fight against child criminal content online. Large platforms must, according to them, maintain legal detection tools.
Opponents respond that the end does not justify all means. Automated monitoring of private communications directly affects the right to confidentiality. It can become dangerous if it is extended to other content or other purposes. The debate echoes concerns already expressed in the digital ecosystem.
Web3 is sometimes presented as a possible answer, because it puts control of data back in the hands of users. But this answer remains partial. The authorities want effective investigative tools. Citizens want secure communications. Between the two, Europe is still looking for a clear line.
Parliament’s vote does not close the case. Member States still have a decisive role. They can accept the amendments, contest them or relaunch negotiations on the text. The schedule is sensitive. Chat Control 1.0 was to remain transitional, while a more complete permanent law was prepared. However, the final regulation on the detection of online abuse has remained blocked since 2022.
Chat Control therefore remains a major political test. It’s not just about moderation or automated detection. It is a question of knowing how far the European Union agrees to go in the analysis of private communications. This is precisely why figures like Vitalik Buterin have already warned about the risks to digital privacy.
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