# EU Approves 'Chat Control' Law Scanning of private communications extended until 2028. - **Source:** [Hacker News (news.ycombinator.com)](https://brifing.si/source/13c923cd-6d99-442b-9b8b-1181f4d8cd91) - **Published:** 2026-07-09 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f59db0ce-e06f-4b7f-b1b1-2ee977b9fc3c ## EU's Controversial Decision The European Parliament approved the 'Chat Control 1.0' law, allowing mass scanning of private communications without suspicion. Despite being rejected twice in March, the law passed as no absolute majority was achieved. While encrypted communications are symbolically exempt, they are already not scanned in practice. ## Divided Votes Among MEPs Parliament voted 314 against, 276 in favor, and 17 abstentions. The majority wanted scans limited only to suspects determined by judicial authority (322-255), but this amendment also failed to secure an absolute majority. Sources say the law's passage has sparked criticism for undermining democratic process. ## Encryption Exception End-to-end encrypted communications were exempted from the law, seen as a small victory for digital rights advocates. Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová called it a 'bittersweet victory.' However, the acceptance of voluntary mass scanning mechanisms has raised concerns. ## Child Protection Argument Law supporters argue the measure is necessary to prevent the spread of child abuse materials. Critics claim suspicionless scanning violates fundamental rights and floods police with false alarms. Dr. Patrick Breyer criticized the system, saying, 'This is like mopping the floor with the tap running.' ## Temporary Regulation and Process The law will remain in force until 2028 or until a permanent regulation is agreed upon. The EU Council will have the final say to approve or reject changes. According to Cointelegraph, the battle over permanent 'Chat Control 2.0' is just beginning. ## Democracy and Resistance Dr. Breyer described the law's passage despite majority opposition as 'a farce damaging democracy.' However, he noted resistance will be strong in permanent regulation talks. Sources agree that future negotiations will make it difficult to accept suspicionless mass scanning. ## Sources covering this story - [Hacker News — EU Parliament Greenlights Chat Control 1.0](https://www.patrick-breyer.de/en/eu-parliament-greenlights-chat-control-1-0-breyer-our-children-lose-out/) - [Cointelegraph.com News — EU Parliament Passes 'Chat Control' Law](https://cointelegraph.com/news/eu-parliament-passes-chat-control-allowing-private-chat-scans-to-2028?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._