The European Parliament has reportedly rejected a proposal to temporarily extend rules for combating child abuse material online, creating legal uncertainty as current regulations are set to expire on April 3. According to sources, the Parliament voted against the European Commission's proposal for a temporary extension of the current system that allows internet companies to voluntarily search for abuse material. The vote occurred on Thursday following concerns from EU member states and the Commission about the impending expiration of existing rules.
Czech Pirate Party member Marketá Gregorová reportedly criticized the new vote, stating: 'We have already voted! ' The temporary extension was intended to remain in effect while the European Parliament and member states continue negotiations on more long-term solutions. However, deep divisions over what opponents call 'chat control' - due to concerns about overly broad monitoring of chats and emails - have reportedly stalled negotiations for several years.
We have already voted! Agreeing to a new vote weakens our mandate and undermines the Parliament's credibility.
What happens next remains unclear as the current rules will no longer apply from April 3.