EU Chat Control Expansion
The European Union is advancing legislation to expand government oversight of online communications, including private messages and photos, with a focus on child safety.
January 2022
EU executive proposed mandatory platform detection of abusive material
The EU executive proposed making it mandatory for online platforms to detect and report abusive material and grooming. This proposal received support from many child protection groups.
Source ↗April 2026
Voluntary reporting mechanism for abusive images lapsed
A mechanism that enabled online platforms and messaging services to voluntarily report abusive images lapsed. This lapse occurred amid debates over an overhaul of the existing system.
Source ↗June 2026
Metsola Invites Council to Proceed with Rejected CSAM Bill
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola asked member countries in the Council to approve a bill regarding scanning child abuse content online. This invitation was made despite the European Parliament having previously voted down the proposal.
Source ↗Backroom Deal Underway to Revive Chat Control 1.0
A backroom deal was reported to be underway concerning the revival of Chat Control 1.0. This action was part of efforts to expand surveillance capabilities within the EU.
Source ↗Vote on Chat Control 1.0 scheduled for Thursday
An expedited procedure for Chat Control 1.0 was approved. A subsequent vote on the legislation was scheduled for the following Thursday.
Source ↗EU discusses revival of Chat Control 1.0 mass scanning
A backroom deal was reported to be underway concerning the revival of Chat Control 1.0. This initiative involves plans for permanent mass scanning of private communications.
Source ↗Final trilogue scheduled for permanent mass scanning
The final trilogue regarding permanent mass scanning is scheduled to take place on this date. This action is part of the effort to revive Chat Control 1.0.
Source ↗July 2026
EU Parliament Votes in Favor of Chat Control
The EU parliament held a plenary session and voted in favor of the Chat Control measure. This action was reported by Alfredolin.
Source ↗MEP vote on Chat Control 1.0 shows opposition
On July 9, 2026, 314 Members of the European Parliament voted against the regulation. The final vote resulted in 276 votes in favor and 17 abstentions.
Source ↗EU Parliament extends Chat Control 1.0 exception rule
The EU Parliament voted to extend the legal basis for Chat Control 1.0 for approximately two years. The vote resulted in 286 votes in favor, 276 against, and 30 abstentions.
Source ↗EU Parliament passes urgency motion enabling vote
MEPs voted for an urgency motion with a majority of 331 to 304 votes and eleven abstentions. This motion enabled the subsequent vote on Chat Control extension.
Source ↗EU Parliament passes urgency motion for Chat Control vote
MEPs voted for an urgency motion with a majority of 331 to 304 votes and eleven abstentions. This motion enabled the subsequent vote on Chat Control.
Source ↗European Parliament greenlights Chat Control 1.0 mass scanning
The European Parliament allowed the suspicionless mass scanning of private communications, known as Chat Control 1.0, to pass. The motion to reject the regulation failed to secure the required absolute majority of 361 votes.
Source ↗Mass scanning permitted under Chat Control 1.0 until 2028
As a result of the passage of the regulation, mass scanning of private communications is permitted until 2028.
Source ↗EU grants tech giants voluntary chat scanning rights
The extended regulation allows companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft to voluntarily search private chats and emails. This search is permitted for material related to child sexual abuse without requiring specific suspicion.
Source ↗EU Parliament greenlights Chat Control 1.0 legislation
The EU Parliament approved Chat Control 1.0. This decision was reported on July 10, 2026.
Source ↗European Parliament Vote on Chat Control Rules Fails
The European Parliament failed to reject the EU's Chat Control message-scanning regime. The motion to reject the rules received 314 votes against and 276 votes in favor, falling short of the required 361 votes.
Source ↗EU Chat Control Amendment on Suspect Flagging Fails
A separate amendment proposing to limit message scanning to suspects flagged by courts was also defeated. The amendment received 322 votes in favor and 255 votes against.
Source ↗EU Revives Paused "Chat Control 1.0" Regime
Following the outcome of the European Parliament vote, "Chat Control 1.0" will be revived. This regime had been temporarily paused after EU institutions could not agree on its extension.
Source ↗EU renew online child sex abuse detection powers until 2028
The European Union renewed authorization allowing online platforms to scan for child sexual abuse material in user chats. This renewed authorization is set to remain in effect until April 2028.
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