Criticism of surveillance: Experts warn of dangers for civil rights!

Criticism of surveillance: Experts warn of dangers for civil rights!

The Federal Government presented a controversial draft for monitoring trade fairs such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal in April 2025. This step takes place in the context of the fight against terrorism and is intended to enable security authorities to access encrypted messages if terrorist or constitutional activities are suspected. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) emphasizes that these measures represent a "contemporary tools" in the fight against terrorism and espionage, especially after the terrorist attack in Villach.

The draft law provides for a two -stage approval process. First of all, a threesome committee of legal protection officers in the Ministry of the Interior must issue an authorization, followed by approval by the Federal Administrative Court in specific cases. However, critics warn of the possible fundamental law violations and the risk of mass surveillance. Data protection does not seem to be adequately preserved in this procedure, as data protection officers note.

technical challenges and concerns

Experts from the Johannes Kepler University (JKU) express concerns about the feasibility of the draft law. The challenge of integrating the monitoring software into devices is considerable. Current smartphone operating systems have extensive security measures that have to be avoided-this could be done by using open security gaps.

The question of whether the local authorities have the resources to develop their own software remains unanswered. A possible plan to buy existing Trojan programs carries additional risks and is associated with high costs. There is also concern that such spy software, which is also used in other countries to suppress opposition and journalists, could also be used in Austria.

experiences from Germany

A look at Germany shows that the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) there has had the opportunity to monitor trade fairs since 2008. However, the consistent application of the so -called "Bundestrojan" shows that these measures often remain behind expectations. In 2021 and 2022 there were numerous instructions, but the actual implementation was limited in many cases. For example, 49 measures occurred in 2022, which questions the effectiveness in the fight against terrorism.

The current challenges are illustrated by the latest Islamist attack in Munich, which shows that the Messenger monitoring is not a panacea. In Germany, a total of 13 attacks were thwarted from 2011 to 2022, whereby in several cases, foreign intelligence services decisively contributed to preventing attacks.

In Austria, the discussion about the draft law on messenger monitoring remains intensive. While the voices from the Ministry of the Interior plead for a modern fighting tool, the need for a well thought -out and legally sound approach is not emphasized without reason. The draft suggests that the use of the monitoring software should remain limited to severe crime and that the interior minister is provided for in over 35 cases per year.