Germany Seeks Enhanced Intelligence Authority to Combat Sabotage and Disinformation

Germany’s intelligence agencies may soon receive expanded powers to combat growing hybrid threats, as officials seek to modernize capabilities while navigating the country’s sensitive post-war intelligence restrictions.

The push comes from Thorsten Frei, a senior official from the chancellor’s office, who revealed that many recent attacks against Germany were thwarted only because of intelligence shared by allied nations with more extensive surveillance capabilities. This dependency on foreign partners has highlighted what some officials see as a critical gap in Germany’s security apparatus.

“We need a paradigm shift in how we approach intelligence gathering,” Frei said, advocating for the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, to employ more sophisticated surveillance techniques. These would include accessing private mobile phones and retaining data for up to 12 months—capabilities already standard among many of Germany’s European allies.

Germany’s intelligence operations have long been restricted by laws enacted after World War II, designed to prevent the kind of abuses that occurred during the Nazi era. These limitations, once seen as essential guardrails for democracy, are increasingly viewed by security officials as outdated in the face of modern threats.

“Historical constraints made sense in their time, but today’s security landscape demands we reconsider these limitations,” Frei explained. “Information is the currency of intelligence services worldwide, and Germany must be able to participate fully in this exchange.”

The proposed expansion would grant the BND capabilities beyond traditional surveillance. Officials want the agency to have the ability to disrupt drone attacks and disable cryptocurrency wallets linked to criminal activities—reflecting the evolving nature of security threats in the digital age.

The government plans to introduce legislation this year, though the initiative may face significant hurdles. No draft bill has yet been submitted to the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, and opposition parties have already signaled resistance.

Clara Buenger, a lawmaker from the Left Party, voiced concerns that have resonated with civil liberties advocates. “Expanding powers while simultaneously reducing oversight creates a dangerous imbalance that could threaten the very democratic principles we’re trying to protect,” she warned.

The proposed changes come amid broader efforts to strengthen Germany’s security apparatus. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is pursuing similar enhancements for the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the country’s domestic intelligence agency. Both the BND and BfV have already seen substantial budget increases exceeding 25% this year, reflecting the government’s growing focus on security concerns.

These developments occur against a backdrop of increasing hybrid threats targeting Germany—a combination of conventional warfare tactics with cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic pressure. Security experts point to Russia’s activities in Europe as a primary concern, along with the rising influence of China and various non-state actors.

Germany’s cautious approach to intelligence powers has deep historical roots. After the fall of the Third Reich, the country established strict limitations on surveillance to prevent government overreach. These restrictions were reinforced following revelations about the Stasi, East Germany’s notorious secret police, after reunification.

However, the security landscape has transformed dramatically since these safeguards were implemented. Terrorism, cyber warfare, and foreign interference have created new vulnerabilities that traditional intelligence frameworks struggle to address.

The debate over expanding intelligence powers reflects a fundamental tension in modern democracies: balancing security needs against civil liberties protections. For Germany, with its particular historical burden, this balancing act carries special significance.

As the government moves forward with its proposals, the coming months will likely feature intense debate about how Germany can modernize its intelligence capabilities while preserving the democratic values and protections that emerged from its difficult past.