On Thursday, the European Parliament voted on what is known as Chat Control 1, and it was a no to temporarily extending the current regulatory system that allows tech giants to voluntarily scan users’ communications without suspicion of crime.

The vote took place after the EU Council of Ministers refused to accept the Parliament’s previous decision, which stipulated that surveillance should only be directed at individuals or groups where there is suspicion of criminal activity.

With 311 votes against 228, it was decided that Chat Control 1 would not be extended, meaning its surveillance will end on April 3.

Moderate party MEP Arba Kokalari regrets the outcome.

– We wanted to extend the existing rules that both protect a free and open internet and give the police the tools needed to stop pedophiles. That the left and the Sweden Democrats wanted to undermine this is really bad, she told TT.

Focus on Chat Control 2

The outcome of the vote was welcomed by journalist and social commentator Henrik Alexandersson, who at the same time points out that it is now time to focus on stopping Chat Control 2. Negotiations are currently ongoing between the European Commission, the EU Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament.

While Chat Control 1 is a temporary exception that allows for voluntary scanning of unencrypted messages, Chat Control 2 is a permanent and mandatory system that would require mass scanning of all communications, including encrypted ones.

READ ALSO: Expert: Partial victory on Chat Control 2 but much remains