나치 게슈타포 ‘금기’ 깨나…독일, 80년 만에 정보기관 ‘작전 권한’ 부활 추진

The German government has approved a revised bill that grants domestic and foreign intelligence agencies the authority to take proactive measures against cyber attacks and terrorism. This move comes as a response to the increasing number of terrorist and cyber attacks, and is aimed at reviving the limited authority of intelligence agencies, such as the Gestapo, which had been strictly restricted for 80 years following World War II.

The bill, which was approved by the federal government on December 12, aims to significantly expand the digital access rights and surveillance capabilities of intelligence agencies like the Bundesverfassungsgericht (constitutional court) and the Federal Intelligence Service (BND). The law has faced criticism from opposition parties, who argue that it would violate historical precedents and go too far in expanding the powers of intelligence agencies.

The German government maintains that the new measures are necessary to ensure the country's security in an increasingly hybrid and dangerous world, particularly in the face of growing threats from Russia and other hostile actors.