🇪🇺 EU PARLIAMENT FAILS TO BLOCK CHAT CONTROL 1.0, EXTENSION TO 2028 MOVES FORWARD The European Parliament failed to block the extension of “Chat Control 1.0,” allowing voluntary scanning of certain private, unencrypted communications to continue until 2028 or until a permanent replacement is agreed. A majority of voting MEPs backed ending the regime, but the motion fell short of the required 361 votes, failing 314-276. Former MEP Patrick Breyer called the result “a farce,” arguing it undermines democracy and delays a more targeted child protection framework. The transitional framework permits voluntary scanning of private, unencrypted messages by providers such as Gmail, iCloud, Instagram, Discord, Snapchat, Skype and Xbox messaging to detect child sexual abuse material. Critics argue the system has produced large numbers of false reports while failing to demonstrate measurable improvements in prosecutions or child rescues. Negotiations on the permanent “Chat Control 2.0” proposal are set to resume in September.