Enhanced Authorities for Berlin Police Detailed: New Powers Outlined
In a significant move aimed at enhancing public safety, the coalition government in Berlin, consisting of the conservative Union party (CDU) and the centre-left SPD, has reached an agreement on amending the state's General Security and Order Act (ASOG). The key change involves the introduction of **continuous AI-assisted video surveillance** in certain designated areas known as "kbOs" (likely referring to areas of concern or special security zones).
The new surveillance measures, planned to start in 2026, follow the completion of necessary legal modifications to both Berlin's ASOG and the constitution[1]. However, these expansions of surveillance powers have raised concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and potential misuse of AI surveillance technologies, common debates surrounding increased state security measures, especially those involving AI and continuous monitoring.
The police will also be given the right to record communications before they are encrypted via messenger services like WhatsApp, with the intention to combat terrorism, but only under very strict conditions. The "final rescue shot" amendment to Berlin's ASOG would allow the use of deadly force as a last resort in situations involving minors, removing a legal grey area.
Politicians from the Green party and the Left party have criticized the proposed amendment, accusing the CDU and SPD of prioritizing police and repression over violence prevention projects. The SPD interior policy spokesman, Martin Matz, stated that the focus of these changes is on combating organised crime and terrorism.
The reform aims to align Berlin's law with those of other German states and provide comprehensive legal certainty for police. The new police powers, once approved by the Berlin parliament (Abgeordnetenhaus), are expected to come into force by the end of 2025.
In addition, the amendment includes plans for permanent video surveillance in crime-ridden areas such as Kottbusser Tor, Alexanderplatz, Görlitzer Park, and Hermannplatz, using AI software. It is worth noting that these powers will not be applied to ordinary citizens and petty criminals.
In a related development, dangerous ex-partners with restraining orders will be required to wear ankle bracelets in the future. This measure, similar to a scheme introduced in Spain, aims to protect women from violent ex-partners.
The results of the meeting where the amendment was worked out, held at a closed-door meeting in Nauen, are more wide-ranging than many observers predicted. The proposed changes have sparked debates about the balance between security and individual rights, a debate that is likely to continue as the amendment progresses through the legislative process.
[1] The specific details regarding the legal amendments and their implications are yet to be fully disclosed.
The new policy-and-legislation amendment, which includes continuous AI-assisted video surveillance in crime-ridden areas and the right for police to record unencrypted communications, has sparked debates about the balance between security and individual rights, especially concerning privacy and civil liberties. This extensive change, discussed in a closed-door meeting in Nauen and set to be approved by the Berlin parliament, is part of the coalition government's efforts to combat organized crime and terrorism, as highlighted by SPD's interior policy spokesman, Martin Matz.
