German Parliament Grants Intelligence Agencies Sweeping New Powers
The Bundestag approved a major intelligence overhaul granting the BND and BfV authority to conduct sabotage, cyberattacks, and biometric surveillance to counter foreign hybrid threats.
The German parliament approved a sweeping overhaul of its intelligence agencies on Friday, passing legislation that shifts the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) from passive information gathering to active intervention. The bill passed the Bundestag with 309 votes in favor, 190 against, and 71 abstentions.
Alexander Dobrindt, the Interior Minister, described the legislation as the "reform of the century," arguing it is necessary to combat a "shadow war" and hybrid threats from Russia, China, and Iran. The move follows a thwarted Russian-linked drone attack at Leipzig-Halle airport in August. Under the new law, the BND can conduct covert sabotage and cyberattacks abroad, such as disrupting weapon supply chains and state-sponsored hacker servers, though targeted assassinations remain forbidden.
Domestically, the BfV is now authorized to use biometric facial recognition, AI-supported data analysis, and "hack-backs" to block data flows during cyberattacks. Both agencies may covertly enter private homes or businesses under limited circumstances. To prevent abuse, a panel of former judges will review the legality of specific measures.
Opposition parties, including Die Linke and Alternative for Germany, along with the German Bar Association, warned the expansion could erode civil liberties and create a secret police force reminiscent of the Stasi or Gestapo. The new provisions are scheduled to take effect on December 31.
