EU Parliament votes to extend exemption for automated child‑abuse scans on online platforms

The European Parliament is set to vote on a fast‑track amendment that would renew the EU’s temporary exemption allowing online platforms to automatically scan private communications for child‑abuse material. The original exception expired in April, leaving providers without a clear legal basis for continuing the scans.

German officials, including Baden‑Württemberg’s justice and interior ministers, have urged a swift decision, arguing the scans are vital for victim protection. The Parliament’s proposal revives the controversial “Chatkontrolle 1.0” rule, which would permit indiscriminate, AI‑driven scanning of chats and uploads without specific suspicion. Critics, including IT‑security researchers and some diplomats, warn the maneuver sidesteps standard EU legislative procedures and could undermine a forthcoming, more balanced child‑protection framework.

Proponents cite official figures showing over 200,000 tips on possible abuse images each year, with more than half deemed criminally relevant. While many tech companies have continued voluntary scans after the exemption lapsed, the vote seeks to secure a durable legal foundation before the summer recess, when parliamentary attendance is low and the required super‑majority would be hard to achieve.