ChatControl: MEPs agree to controversial vote by 'urgency procedure'
ChatControl
Today, using a procedural loophole, MEPs just approved (331+/304-/11a) to once again vote on 'ChatControl 1.0', the temporary CSAM legislation, in Thursday's plenary session of the European Parliament. This time, MEPs will require an absolute majority to reject or amend the controversial text.
Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová, Greens/EFA negotiator for the legislation, comments:
"Despite my warning on the plenary floor that today's vote violates our own rules of procedure, the European Parliament decided to use an urgent procedure for Chat Control 1.0. This means that on Thursday we will once again vote on extending the derogation that allowed online platforms to scan our private communications. Because this is a second reading, rejecting or amending the proposal will now require an absolute majority of Members of the European Parliament – 361 votes.
"The European People's Party is abusing its position as the largest political group to bring back, through a procedural loophole, a proposal that Parliament had already rejected. This is unprecedented. This is no longer just about protecting privacy, it is about protecting our democracy. No means no. That is why I also cannot understand colleagues who supported the urgent procedure and are so willingly dancing to the tune of the Council and the Commission."
