Procedural Trick Before Recess Pushes EU Towards Capitulation on "Chat Control"

6 hours ago

The European Parliament will vote on an urgent procedure to revive the previously rejected "Chat Control 1.0" regulation, which allows untargeted scanning of private chats, pushed by the EPP group and EU Member States ahead of summer recess.
This procedural move bypasses the Parliament's earlier rejection and requires an absolute majority (361 votes) to amend or reject the Council's position; if not met, the law is automatically adopted, potentially reinstating mass surveillance without parliamentary consent.
Critics argue the urgency undermines negotiations for a permanent child protection framework (CSA Regulation), favoring voluntary mass scanning over targeted measures, and risks stalling efforts for better online child safety.
Rapporteur Birgit Sippel and cybersecurity experts warn against the procedure, citing high error rates in scanning technologies, privacy concerns, and reduced pressure for a viable long-term solution, with civil rights groups urging MEPs to reject the urgency.

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