---
title: "MEPs Vote Against 'Chat Control' Proposal, But Legislation Survives"
date: 2026-07-10T05:01:02.286+00:00
updated: 2026-07-10T05:01:02.286+00:00
topics: ["Politics", "Tech", "EU"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-07-10/meps-vote-against-chat-control-legislation-survives
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# MEPs Vote Against 'Chat Control' Proposal, But Legislation Survives

## In brief

- A majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted against the controversial 'Chat Control' legislation.
- Despite the majority opposition, the proposal was not rejected as the vote fell short of an absolute majority.
- The legislation aims to allow tech companies to scan private communications for child sexual abuse material, which critics warn could lead to mass surveillance.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) recently voted on the contentious 'Chat Control' legislation, with a majority expressing opposition to the proposal.

During the vote, 314 MEPs voted to reject the Council's position on the legislation, while 276 voted against rejection and 17 abstained. However, despite more MEPs voting against the proposal than for it, the measure ultimately survived.

This outcome occurred because the vote to reject the legislation did not reach the required absolute majority. For a rejection to pass, it would have needed 351 votes in a 700-member parliament, or 360 votes if all 720 MEPs were present and voting.

The proposed 'Chat Control' legislation seeks to extend rules that would allow technology companies to scan private communications for child sexual abuse material. Critics, including the Maltese political movement Momentum, have issued strong warnings against this initiative.

Momentum argued that the proposal amounts to mass surveillance, which they believe is being disguised as a child protection measure. They highlighted concerns that such powers could infringe on citizens' privacy by allowing widespread scanning of personal messages.

The debate surrounding the legislation continues, with proponents emphasising the need to combat child sexual abuse and opponents raising alarms about potential overreach and privacy violations.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Both independent outlets reported on the EU's 'Chat Control' legislation, with The Maltese Herald providing details on the parliamentary vote outcome and Newsbook highlighting concerns raised by Momentum.

## Sources (2)

- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/momentum-warns-eu-chat-control-revival-threatens-mass-surveillance-of-citizens/)
- [The Maltese Herald](https://themalteseherald.com/2026/07/10/meps-reject-chat-control-but-law-survives-after-vote-falls-short-of-absolute-majority/)

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