The extension was halted this spring after the European Parliament voted against an extension. This has led to an uncertain legal situation where the major internet giants no longer have the legal ability to voluntarily search for abuse material on their sites.
However, since the leadership of the European Parliament has signaled that it is ready to change its mind, the EU countries have now united behind a new attempt.
"Protecting children is our duty," writes Jim O'Callaghan, justice minister in Ireland's current presidency, in a press release .
The issue is sensitive. Critics call the rules “chat control” and believe they impose too much control over chats and private email.
