Konstantin von Notz, the Deputy Group Leader of the Greens and Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Control Body, criticized the draft law aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, which was adopted by the Federal Cabinet on Wednesday, calling its execution “technically extremely poor”. According to von Notz, this legislative effort fails to provide urgently needed clarity, instead seemingly perpetuating the uncoordinated coexistence of various actors. He pointed out that it remains unclear precisely which powers specific entities will receive in the future. Furthermore, consultation with other departments, such as the Ministry of Defence, appears to have occurred only partially.
Von Notz also stated that the legal and political responsibility for digital counterattacks, particularly when attribution is uncertain, remains ambiguous. He highlighted that the role of the National Security Council is also ill-defined. He concluded by strongly criticizing Alexander Dobrindt’s portfolio, claiming that his office has demonstrated a severe disregard for issues at the intersection of interior and digital policy, labeling his oversights as “massive”.
In contrast, Sebastian Fiedler, the SPD’s spokesman for domestic policy, voiced support for Dobrindt’s draft law, praising the Cabinet for finally passing what he described as an important piece of legislation. Fiedler stressed the exceptional seriousness of the situation, noting that the economic damage caused by cyberattacks, data theft, espionage, and sabotage is colossal. He provided a figure, stating that estimates show this loss reaches over 280 billion Euros per year, representing a historic high for the German economy.
