Germany gives spy agencies new sweeping powers: Here’s why
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Germany’s cabinet has approved a major overhaul of the country’s intelligence services, giving the BND and BfV broader powers to fight espionage, cyberattacks, terrorism and other threats from foreign states.
The reform strengthens the **Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND)**, Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, and the **Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV)**, which monitors threats to Germany’s constitutional order. Officials say the changes are necessary because hostile states and other actors are increasingly using cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation and other hybrid tactics.
One of the biggest changes would allow intelligence agencies to take active measures against threats rather than simply collecting information. Under the proposed rules, they could hack into foreign IT systems and disrupt or interfere with hostile digital operations. The reforms also expand their ability to obtain and analyze data from electronic devices and communications platforms.
Artificial intelligence will also play a greater role in intelligence work. Agencies would receive broader authority to use modern data-analysis tools to identify threats and connect information gathered from different sources. Officials argue that Germany needs these capabilities to keep pace with intelligence agencies in other major countries.
The government says the reforms are being driven by a rapidly changing security environment, with particular concern over Russia, China, cybercriminal groups and other foreign actors. Recent incidents, including a drone carrying explosives discovered near **Leipzig/Halle Airport**, have further increased pressure on Germany to strengthen its ability to respond to hybrid threats.
Interior Minister **Alexander Dobrindt** described the package as a major transformation of Germany’s security structure. Supporters argue that the country has been too restricted compared with intelligence agencies in allied nations and needs stronger tools to prevent attacks before they reach German territory.
However, the expansion has triggered concerns among opposition politicians and civil-liberties advocates. They warn that broader surveillance, increased data collection and the use of AI could threaten privacy and create opportunities for intelligence agencies to overreach. The reforms will therefore face further scrutiny in the **Bundestag** before they can become law.