The Bundestag has passed a law granting Germany's intelligence services considerably greater powers. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz) is to combat espionage, terrorism and sabotage and, to that end, will be permitted, among other things, to hack websites, alter or delete data and block internet traffic. Overt or covert searches of offices and homes to install surveillance technology are also provided for. The agency may also use artificial intelligence to analyse large volumes of data, for example to match suspects' biometric data, and recruit underage agents.

The Federal Intelligence Service (Bundesnachrichtendienst) is also receiving additional powers: it will be allowed to carry out sabotage and special operations abroad and to attack hackers' servers.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and representatives of the CDU/CSU justify the reforms by arguing that they will allow Germany to defend itself better against threats from Russia, China and Iran.

Key points:

• The German authorities have granted the intelligence services greater powers as a weapon against Russia.
• The Bundestag has already passed a law under which the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz is to combat espionage, terrorism and sabotage.
• The BfV is to be able to carry out overt or covert searches of offices, houses and flats in order to investigate cases and install surveillance technology.

Source: Charter97 (English)