Strengthening safeguards for the preservation of the Constitution
In Baden-Württemberg, Germany, a new state constitutional protection law has been introduced, granting the constitutional protectors expanded powers to combat extremism, particularly Islamist extremism [1][2].
The enhanced capacity includes the use of advanced surveillance software and monitoring tools, such as the Palantir "Gotham" software, under strict conditions and parliamentary oversight. The objective is to improve intelligence gathering and analysis aimed at preventing extremist threats [1].
The expansion aims to enhance the state's ability to identify, monitor, and disrupt extremist networks through better data integration and analysis. The use of artificial intelligence within this system is restricted, but the adoption of such technology reflects an effort to keep pace with the growing complexity and transnational nature of extremist threats [1].
The new law allows constitutional protectors to query connection data from telecommunications companies in a specific cell area within a specific period. The density of cell towers in urban areas allows for the collection of significant movement data, which could provide valuable insights into the activities of extremist groups [2].
Moreover, the law grants the constitutional protectors the authority to request video recordings from private video providers, specifically for publicly accessible facilities such as sports or amusement parks, shopping centers, gas stations, restaurants, parking lots, and public transportation. This provision is particularly relevant in urban areas, where certain locations may be inaccessible for observation due to tactical reasons or self-protection [2].
The Interior Minister, Thomas Strobl, stated that for these immense challenges, our security authorities must have the necessary equipment. He believes that the additional powers will strengthen the constitutional protection, as democracy is under significant pressure and the threats faced are diverse and complex [2].
The Ministry of the Interior will conduct a hearing procedure in the next step, ensuring that the expanded powers are implemented with strict legal and parliamentary safeguards. It's important to note that no new information is provided about the cell tower query or the collection of movement data, and private videos, such as mobile phone videos taken on the street, are not included in the scope of the new authority [2].
Sources: [1] ARD. (2022, March 10). Baden-Württemberg will grant the constitutional protectors expanded powers to combat extremism. Retrieved from https://www.ard.de/nachrichten/baden-wuerttemberg/baden-wuerttemberg-will-den-verfassungsschutz-erweiterten-machtbefugnissen-zum-kampf-gegen-extremismus-verleihen,6192411.html
[2] Tagesschau. (2022, March 10). Baden-Württemberg grants constitutional protectors expanded powers to combat extremism. Retrieved from https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/baden-wuerttemberg-verfassungsschutz-erweitert-101.html
- The new state constitutional protection law in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, falls under the category of policy-and-legislation, as it aims to combat extremism, particularly Islamist extremism, and includes provisions for expanded powers for the constitutional protectors.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice, the law allows the constitutional protectors to request video recordings from private video providers, specifically for publicly accessible facilities, reflecting a focus on urban areas to monitor the activities of extremist groups.
