A failure by the European Parliament to extend rules for the detection of child sexual abuse material in private online chats has been criticised by human rights advocates as placing online privacy above child safety. A vote by the European Parliament not to extend the rules beyond April 3 means tech providers will not be allowed to detect child sexual abuse material in private communications from Friday. Read More Reports of child sexual abuse material surge to almost 28,000, new data revealsWhile 228 MEPs voted in favour of extending the current rules, 311 voted against it. “This is about are they going to suffer some of the most horrific abuse and exploitation that any child could suffer,” she said. Ms Canelles Quaroni added: “This looming legal vacuum underlines the urgent need for a long-term CSAM regulation that provides lasting legal certainty.

Source: Irish Examiner March 29, 2026 18:19 UTC