Key facts
- The European Parliament will vote on extending an online message-scanning regime.
- Critics refer to the regime as 'chat control'.
- The regime allows tech companies to scan online communications for child sexual abuse material.
- Privacy concerns are raised, especially regarding end-to-end encrypted messages.
- The proposed extension could last until 2028.
- Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing long queues for non-EU travelers.
- Wait times for the EES have reached up to five hours.
- The EES logs biometric data.
- Operational issues with the EES are due to inadequate preparation by national capitals.
The European Parliament is scheduled to vote on legislation that would extend a contentious online message-scanning regime, a policy critics have labeled 'chat control.' This measure would empower tech companies to scan online communications, including messages, for child sexual abuse material. A primary concern raised by opponents is the potential infringement on user privacy, particularly affecting end-to-end encrypted communications. The proposed extension of this regime could potentially last until the year 2028, indicating a significant continuation of this surveillance capability.