The federal government wants to allow the secret services to read communications via WhatsApp and other encrypted messenger services in the future. The cabinet decided on Wednesday that the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the Federal Intelligence Service and the Military Counter-Intelligence Service (MAD) should not only be allowed to monitor ongoing conversations via Messenger, but also text messages sent via Messenger.

The prerequisite for the so-called source TKÜ is, however, a corresponding order in each individual case. The secret services cannot read and save communications as they see fit. In order to improve the control of the surveillance measures, the number of members of the G 10 – Commission of the Bundestag responsible for their approval will be increased. A technical advisor is also to be provided to assist the Commission. The reform still has to be approved by the Bundestag.

“Extremist ulcers in our society” Supporters of the draft say that would be the In terms of its capabilities, the domestic intelligence service has only returned to the level it was at before the invention of the Internet and mobile communications. At that time it was enough to eavesdrop on landline telephones. “We need a protection of the constitution that can also see and hear in the digital age. This is the only way we can counter the extremist ulcers in our society,” said Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) according to the press release of the Federal Ministry.

The reform was very controversial in the coalition. A first draft had already been sent to the other ministries in March 2019 for comment. At that time, he also provided the secret services with permission for “online searches”. This means covert access to computers, smartphones and other IT devices, the data of which can then be read.

Draft approved after long discussions This passage was deleted due to pressure from the SPD. A spokesman for the SPD-led Federal Ministry of Justice said it was a “moderate expansion of competencies” while at the same time strengthening parliamentary control, as provided for in the coalition agreement.

The draft from the The Federal Ministry of the Interior also provides for an expanded exchange of information between the MAD and the constitution protection authorities. Above all, this should help to identify right-wing extremist members of the Bundeswehr and reservists better than before.

Observation of individuals should be simplified The reform, which still has to pass the Bundestag, will also lower the hurdles for the surveillance of individuals by the constitution protection. The Federal Government is thus drawing conclusions from the right-wing extremist terrorist attacks in Halle and Hanau. Both attacks were carried out by perpetrators who, according to previous knowledge, did not belong to any group.

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