Germany's intelligence reform sparks debate over widening surveillance powers

Germany is preparing a major reform that will see the expansion of the powers given to its intelligence services. The key amendment revolves around changes that would allow authorities to secretly enter citizens’ homes, access their computers and smartphones, and interfere with data transmission.

These details are outlined in a draft amendment published on the German Interior Ministry’s website, as Caliber.Az reports.

According to the ministry, intelligence agencies would be able to carry out “online searches” and take active measures against cyberattacks — for example, independently stopping attacks if they have already gained access to the attackers’ infrastructure.

The ministry argues that such reform is needed due to the growing number of acts of sabotage, espionage cases, and digital security threats.

German media outlets such as the Junge Freiheit outlet have pointed out, that the proposed changes go much further. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution would not only gain the ability to secretly access IT systems but also modify, delete, or redirect data. In addition, telecommunications companies and digital service providers could be required to assist intelligence agencies in such operations. In certain cases, citizens would not be informed about interference with their devices or homes. The bill also allows for the recruitment of confidential informants from the age of 16.

“The draft allows access to private IT systems under certain conditions. It should also become possible to secretly enter an apartment,” the publication quoted the document as saying.

The draft legislation is currently undergoing interministerial coordination before being reviewed by the federal government and the Bundestag.

By Nazrin Sadigova