The EU Parliament passed Chat Control 1.0, a measure allowing suspicionless mass scanning of private communications, despite a majority of MEPs opposing it. The vote was passed using a procedural tactic that required only a simple majority of those present, exploiting MEP absences to bypass the need for an absolute majority.

Commenters are split. Melroy called it a clear failure of democracy, stating, 'EU just pushed it through. Despite multi rejections!' Zak explained the procedural trick, noting that the law now requires an absolute majority to reject in the next vote. Others, like huf, argue the EU was never meant to represent the people, claiming it serves capitalist interests. Wanderer questioned the implications, asking if PGP will become the only viable option for privacy.

The consensus is that the EU's democratic process is broken, with procedural tactics enabling the passage of controversial measures. While some defend the system as working as intended, others see it as rigged to favor pro-regulation forces. The key issue remains the erosion of privacy and the potential for mass surveillance.