The European Parliament has voted to extend legislation allowing tech companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft to scan users’ private messages for child sexual abuse material under the 'Chat Control' bill.

Despite a majority of lawmakers opposing the measure, the ruling reinstates voluntary scanning rights for firms, with end-to-end encrypted chats remaining exempt.

Proponents argue that such measures have helped identify and rescue victims of online child exploitation, while critics warn it undermines digital privacy.The legislation will remain in effect until 2028 or replaced by permanent laws.

Civil rights activists condemned the decision as undemocratic, comparing mass surveillance to 'mopping the floor while the faucet is still running.

' The European People's Party (EPP) pushed for the measure after previous laws expired, facing fierce opposition from privacy advocates and other political groups.