EU Set to Vote on Controversial Chat Control Bill in October

According to PANews, the European Union is scheduled to vote on the 'Chat Control' bill on October 14. The proposed legislation mandates all online communication platforms to scan users' private messages, photos, and videos for content, including those protected by end-to-end encryption. The bill aims to combat child sexual abuse material but has raised significant concerns over mass surveillance and privacy rights. Currently, 19 member states have expressed support for the proposal, with countries like France shifting towards approval, while Germany has yet to clarify its stance. If passed by a majority, the bill would bring substantial changes to the EU's digital communication privacy standards. The EU Council requires a qualified majority to approve such measures, which involves two conditions: at least 55% of member states (equivalent to 15 out of 27 countries) must vote in favor, and these countries must represent over 65% of the EU's total population.