German spies handed new powers to tackle 'hybrid threats' from abroad
Summary
Germany’s parliament approved a law expanding the powers of its foreign and domestic intelligence services to counter espionage, terrorism, sabotage, and other threats. The changes allow covert operations abroad and give domestic agents new powers to intervene against specific threats, conduct digital surveillance, and use AI-supported analysis.Key Facts
- The Bundestag approved the intelligence services law by 309 votes to 190, with 71 members abstaining.
- The BND, Germany’s foreign intelligence service, will be allowed to carry out covert operations abroad, including sabotage.
- The BfV, Germany’s domestic intelligence service, will be able to take protective action against property and IT systems when it identifies specific threats.
- BfV agents may disrupt data flows during cyber-attacks, remove or alter malicious data, and plant false information targeting people involved in threats.
- Under conditions and with advance authorization, BfV agents may enter homes covertly and monitor encrypted communications.
- The new powers include online searches, AI-supported data analysis, and biometric image matching on the internet.
- The Left Party’s Clara Bünger criticized the law, warning that it weakens the separation between intelligence services and police.
- The government says increased foreign espionage, particularly from Russia, China, and Iran, makes the reform necessary.
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