European Union member states have agreed on a temporary exemption from data protection rules that will allow tech companies to resume automated scanning for child sexual abuse imagery. The formal decision is set to be finalised on 22 July 2026 through a written procedure, following approval by the European Parliament.
Under the transitional arrangement, Microsoft, Google and Meta may voluntarily scan for images or videos depicting child abuse, though the measure explicitly prohibits breaking end-to-end encryption and rules out client-side scanning. The exemption is designed to remain in force until April 2028, giving lawmakers time to develop a permanent legal framework.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola had pushed for a transitional solution at the EU summit in mid-June, while the centre-right European People's Party group requested an accelerated vote before the summer recess to ensure the scanning authority did not lapse.