The Society for Civil Rights (GFF) has sharply criticized the proposed reform to the intelligence service law, asserting that the draft dramatically increases the power of intelligence agencies. Kai Dittmann, head of politics for the “Rheinische Post,” stated that this planned expansion grants the BND and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution sweeping powers to intervene deeply in fundamental rights.
Under the proposed laws, intelligence agencies could utilize expanded spyware, deploy AI analyses with virtually no adequate protective measures, gain access to private video cameras, and even conduct “hackbacks,” despite the fact that the legal hurdles involved often remain vague and too low. Furthermore, the legal expert criticizes the reform for blurring the distinction between intelligence agencies and police forces while simultaneously weakening the independent oversight mechanisms.
The Federal Data Protection Authority is expected to be severely weakened, and the Independent Control Council will not be adequately furnished with the necessary technical or personnel resources. Dittmann warned that expanding powers while undermining control risks the erosion of the rule of law and the surveillance of countless uninvolved civilians. Consequently, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) must completely revise this draft, which he describes as “largely unconstitutional.” This revision must include the removal of operational powers and the establishment of effective, technically competent control measures.
