The **European Parliament** has voted to bring back a rule granting big tech companies permission to scan users’ messages in the hunt for child sexual abuse material (**CSAM**). This process, widely dubbed **Chat Control** by its detractors, has reignited a fierce debate over privacy and online safety. The vote, which occurred the day before summer recess, leveraged an unusual legislative procedure requiring an absolute majority to strike down the provision. Consequently, the measure passed even though more present members opposed it than supported it, as lawmakers not present were counted as 'yes' votes. ### A Lapsed Law and Renewed Authority A previous law, allowing voluntary scanning (though not on end-to-end encrypted platforms like **Signal**), expired in April after Parliament failed to reach an agreement amidst a privacy outcry. Despite the lapse, companies like **Google**, **Microsoft**, and **Meta** continued their scanning efforts, albeit without explicit legal protection. This recent ruling provides these firms with clear direction and legal cover to continue **CSAM** scans until 2028. However, critics argue that this move places privacy in Europe under significant threat. ### Procedural Concerns and Undemocratic Tactics The use of an absolute majority vote on the eve of summer recess is particularly disturbing to critics, especially since Parliament rejected the same measure under normal circumstances just three months prior. **Rand Hammoud** of Europe’s **Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)** described the maneuver as “highly politicised procedural efforts,” fueled by Parliament President **Roberta Metsola**, and an unprecedented tactic. Hammoud's blog post criticized lawmakers for “overstepping Parliament’s own mandate and previous vote.” ### The Looming 'Chat Control 2.0' Even as the immediate vote sparks contention, a much larger battle is brewing over a new, more expansive law, informally known as **Chat Control 2.0**. **Simeon de Brouwer**, a policy adviser at the advocacy group **European Digital Rights**, warns that in its most extreme form, **2.0** could compel service providers to scan all conversations and hosted content, including those on end-to-end encrypted platforms. Lawmakers have been negotiating a permanent framework since November 2023 but have made little progress. ### Balancing Safety and Privacy Law enforcement officials, including **Catherine De Bolle**, Executive Director of **Europol**, have strongly advocated for permanent scanning capabilities, asserting their criticality for child protection. De Bolle stated that “enabling online service providers to continue detecting and reporting suspected CSAM to the competent authorities is vital for the protection of children.” However, de Brouwer argues the privacy trade-offs are too high. He contends that **Chat Control** allows tech companies to “snoop without a warrant, with little to no oversight, and with no legal basis, on millions of conversations,” raising fundamental questions about digital rights and surveillance.