Story perspectives

European Parliament Debates Controversial Chat Control Extension

2/6/2026

38 8

Summary

Story summary

The European Parliament is debating the extension of "Chat Control 1.0," which allows warrantless mass scanning of private messages.
Rapporteur Birgit Sippel's draft report suggests new restrictions, excluding unreliable technologies while permitting the scanning of "known material."
Critics claim this approach inadequately protects children and burdens police with irrelevant data, as nearly half of flagged chats in Germany are considered criminally irrelevant.
Activists are urging citizens to protest the extension, advocating for targeted investigations and "Security by Design" measures instead of mass surveillance.
The deadline for amendments is February 10, 2026.

1 of 1

Story summary

The European Parliament is debating the extension of "Chat Control 1.0," which allows warrantless mass scanning of private messages.
Rapporteur Birgit Sippel's draft report suggests new restrictions, excluding unreliable technologies while permitting the scanning of "known material."
Critics claim this approach inadequately protects children and burdens police with irrelevant data, as nearly half of flagged chats in Germany are considered criminally irrelevant.
Activists are urging citizens to protest the extension, advocating for targeted investigations and "Security by Design" measures instead of mass surveillance.
The deadline for amendments is February 10, 2026.