Votes · 11 March 2026
Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1232 as regards the extension of its period of application
This vote is about extending an exemption that lets online messaging services detect child sexual abuse material.
Background
Since 2021, a temporary rule allowed messaging and online services to voluntarily detect child sexual abuse images in private communications, as an exception to EU privacy rules (the ePrivacy Directive). It expired in April 2026 for lack of agreement. The debate pits child protection against privacy.
- Extends this option of voluntary detection, pending a permanent EU law.
- Parliament narrows its scope: end-to-end encrypted communications are excluded.
- The Council has to accept these changes, otherwise a conciliation procedure starts.
Rejected: 172 for, 435 against, 14 abstentions, 97 did not vote.
Reference: A10-0040/2026