The Bundestag has passed a reform of the law governing the intelligence services that grants the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) greater powers. The aim is to improve Germany's protection against espionage, terrorism and sabotage, in particular by state actors such as Russia, China and Iran.

Among other things, the reform provides for expanded digital surveillance capabilities, covert protective measures against IT systems and the option of obtaining information from a range of companies.

Key points:

• Germany is soon to be better able to protect itself against espionage, terrorism and sabotage.
• The reform of the law governing the intelligence services passed by the Bundestag provides for numerous new powers for the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).
• The main reason is increased intelligence activity, above all by Russia, China and Iran.

Source: WirtschaftsWoche (German)