Germany data protection chief condemns intelligence reform

Germany's top data protection commissioner, Louisa Specht‑Riemenschneider, warned that the government’s draft intelligence reform would give the BND and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution access to public video surveillance, including audio and real‑time images, and would allow indefinite storage of personal data. She said, “I consider this indefinite storage unconstitutional,” and cautioned that the Federal Constitutional Court could rule the measures “go too far.”

Critics also note that the same legislative package would overhaul the Freedom of Information Act, requiring requesters to prove a “legitimate interest,” disclose citizenship, and pay fees running into thousands of euros, while reducing transparency of decision‑makers. The reforms are seen as weakening independent oversight, with a new Independent Control Council slated to start only next year, after the data commissioner’s office loses its supervisory role.