Media: Germany bans private phones in Bundeswehr over growing spy concerns

Germany’s Ministry of Defence has tightened rules on the use of personal mobile devices at its headquarters and within the Bundeswehr amid concerns about espionage from Russia and China, according to German newspaper Der Spiegel.

The ministry issued an urgent security directive in February. Under the new rules, personnel are prohibited from bringing personal phones, tablets, and smartwatches into meetings—both in-person and online—if classified materials marked “secret” or higher are discussed.

The restrictions apply particularly to meetings involving military exercises, operational planning, and Bundeswehr readiness issues. Before such sessions, devices must be stored in designated lockers, with similar measures also introduced in offices where classified documents are handled.

The directive emphasises that private devices pose a “significant security risk,” and states that the Bundeswehr is considered a priority intelligence target, primarily by Russia. It also notes China’s long-term interest in intelligence gathering.

The tightening of measures is attributed to an increased espionage threat, which could also be used for sabotage preparations.

By Jeyhun Aghazada