EU Extends Temporary Chat-Scanning Regime Until 2028

In response to the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), the European Union introduced a temporary framework that permits messaging services to voluntarily deploy detection measures. The regime, originally adopted by the European Parliament earlier this year, was amended at the last minute to exclude end-to-end encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal. After the European Parliament rejected a permanent extension in March, the measure lapsed in April. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola reinstated the file at the request of the European People’s Party, leading to a new vote that extended the temporary regime until 3 April 2028.

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EU ambassadors approved the written procedure with 25 governments voting in favour, one against, and one abstaining. In the European Parliament, 276 lawmakers—including the Greens/EFA, radical left, and far-right groups—voted to reject the extension. The centre-left Socialists & Democrats largely supported the measure, though rapporteur Birgit Sippel (Germany, Socialists & Democrats) was among the 20 MEPs who voted against it. The European Commission subsequently issued a favourable opinion on the parliamentary amendments, allowing member states to adopt the text without further negotiation.

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Roberta Metsola framed the extension as a necessary step while permanent, binding rules are negotiated. Critics within the Parliament warned that child-protection efforts should not compromise citizens’ right to private communications.

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• “No child is helped by a law that will be annulled by the Court of Justice,” — Ignazio Marino

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The extension remains controversial, with privacy advocates labeling the approach “chat control,” and warning that it could set a precedent for broader surveillance of private messages. The EU continues to negotiate a permanent solution that would replace the voluntary, temporary measures with binding regulations.

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