Survey Reveals Public Support for Expanded Powers of Security Agencies

A recent survey indicates that a significant majority of the German population supports granting additional powers to security agencies aimed at combating crime and preventing terrorist activities. As coalition negotiations between the Union and SPD commence, discussions have arisen regarding the future capabilities of both police and domestic intelligence services.

According to a representative poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of the German Press Agency, 62% of respondents advocate for enhanced authority for security agencies. In contrast, 22% of voters believe the current powers of police and domestic intelligence are adequate, while only 4% favor a reduction in these powers.

One anticipated measure is the reinstatement of a requirement for telecommunications providers to store IP addresses. This move aims to facilitate the investigation of child sexual abuse and track potential accomplices in terrorist acts. A model that adheres to the ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court is being sought, with ongoing debates about the duration of data storage.

Moreover, there are expectations that a consensus will be reached regarding the post-event biometric matching of photographs against publicly available internet data.

Concerns have also been raised about the future of intelligence-sharing between Germany and the United States. Approximately 53% of Germans surveyed believe it is likely that U.S. intelligence will become less accessible for preventing terrorist threats within Germany. Meanwhile, 28% disagree with this sentiment, and 18% remain uncertain.

Currently, the exchange of intelligence between Germany and the U.S. has reportedly not declined following the change in U.S. administration. According to the Vice President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, collaboration with American security agencies remains strong. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of not relying solely on one partner and the need for preparedness for any potential challenges ahead.

In recent years, German security forces have successfully thwarted several terrorist plots, largely due to critical information provided by U.S. counterparts. The shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump has sparked concerns among NATO allies regarding the reliability of U.S. military commitments, especially regarding support for Ukraine and ongoing defense projects.