European Parliament lets temporary “Chat Control” private-message scanning rules continue through 2028 despite majority opposition

The European Parliament allowed the EU’s temporary Chat Control rules to continue, permitting suspicionless scanning of private communications until 2028. Although more voting MEPs opposed the measure than supported it, opponents failed to reach the required absolute majority needed to block it.

The vote highlights how procedural thresholds can determine major digital-rights outcomes even when a voting majority objects. The result may strengthen near-term surveillance powers, but the large opposition suggests tougher negotiations ahead for any permanent mass scanning regime.