Hessen Amends Constitution to Bolster Online Surveillance, Data Storage for Minors
Online Monitoring Authorized by Hessen's Constitutional Protection Agency - Online searches will be sanctioned in Hessen (Germany)
Hey there! Here's a breakdown of what's happening in Hessen, Germany.
In a bold move, the Hessian Parliament has put forth an amendment that grants the state's constitutional protection agency the legal authority to conduct online searches. This amendment will empower the agency to access computers and phones covertly, albeit with a court order in place, according to Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) in the Hessian Parliament in Wiesbaden.
It's worth noting that the Hessian State Office for the Protection of the Constitution will also be given the power to store personal data of minors for longer durations in special cases. This change comes as minors are increasingly finding themselves as targets of constitutional threats, Poseck said.
The amendment is a response to a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court in July 2024, which found some regulations unconstitutional. The amendment seeks to address these concerns.
"Our liberal democratic basic order is under fire," Poseck cautioned. "Threats come from a variety of sources, including right-wing extremism, left-wing extremism, Islamism, Salafism, foreign-controlled disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks, and sabotage." In times like these, an effective Constitutional Protection is crucial, added Poseck, stressing that security agencies should not be left behind in the face of new challenges.
One significant challenge that these agencies must address is the increasing frequency of young people radicalizing themselves through social media. Referring to a recent case, Poseck mentioned the dismantling of an alleged right-wing terror cell that included suspects aged 14 to 18, one of whom hailed from the Lahn-Dill district.
At present, the personal data of minors can be stored for no more than five years, unless new findings emerge after they turn 18. However, the reform suggests that extended storage periods might be permitted under certain circumstances.
Initial searches did not yield specific details about this legislative action by the Hessian Parliament. To uncover the finer points of this amendment, it's recommended to consult official Hessian government or parliamentary websites, legal databases, or credible news sources focused on German or Hessian regional legislation. These sources typically offer accurate and detailed information on bill texts, amendments, and legislative discussions.
Stay informed, and keep an eye on this developing story!
- Despite the focus on online surveillance in Hessen, a concern that has been growing is the radicalization of young people through social media, as evidenced by the dismantling of a right-wing terror cell that included minors.
- While policy-and-legislation in Hessen aims to address these concerns by permitting extended storage periods for the personal data of minors in special cases, it remains essential for citizens to stay informed about the specifics of these amendments, which can be found on official government, parliamentary websites, legal databases, or credible news sources focused on German or Hessian regional legislation.
- In addition to the online threats facing minors in EC countries, current issues such as war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, as well as political matters like policy-and-legislation have a profound impact on their lives, making it crucial for comprehensive vocational training in various fields to equip them with the skills needed to navigate these challenging situations.
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