ÖVP plans controversial messenger monitoring: What is now coming up?

ÖVP plans controversial messenger monitoring: What is now coming up?

Österreich - In Austria, the federal government plans to introduce comprehensive surveillance of messenger services. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner from the ÖVP has been promoting this project for some time, but has not yet been able to implement it. On April 9, 2025, a draft assessment was discussed for messenger monitoring. This is now available for an assessment for a period of eight weeks and could have far -reaching consequences for the communication of the citizens. The amendment to the State Protection and Intelligence Services Act, which is due to come into force from 2027, opens up the opportunity to view encrypted messenger services such as WhatsApp, Signal and Skype.

The surveillance is only allowed under strict conditions. It may take a maximum of three months and must be approved by the judge. During this time, the management of the state protection and intelligence services (DSN) can apply for surveillance, which is then checked by the legal protection officer. Monitoring is intended to help the authorities prevent impending attacks or espionage. A clearly defined proof is necessary that others are considered “hopeless”. Those who are monitored must be informed after expiry. However, delays are possible in order not to endanger ongoing investigations. According to the estimate of the DSN, surveillance is only considered 20 to 30 times a year, but the opposition expresses concerns about possible abuse.

technology and security concerns

The exact type of software used has so far been unaffected; However, the possibility of using a so -called "state trojan" is considered. This could be installed on the cell phones of the target persons to read private messages. IT security experts point out that such measures could bring considerable security risks and endanger the privacy of citizens.

The opposition, especially the Neos and the Greens, is skeptical about the project. While SPÖ State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried refers to constitutional stability and emphasizes the need for restriction, the NEOS insist on improvements in the draft. The Greens have announced that the proposal for constitutional requirements have been checked because they have concerns that mass surveillance could occur.

context and EU initiatives

The Austrian procedure is not isolated. At the European level, the interior ministers support: inside the EU the introduction of chat controls, which are repeatedly criticized for possible dangers for privacy, IT security and democracy. Similar to Austria, the bill could include far -reaching obligations for internet providers in order to combat child abuse online. Critics warn that techniques such as client-side scanning (CSS) create new security gaps despite end-to-end encryption and could significantly endanger the privacy of the users.

The discussion about messenger monitoring in Austria and Europe makes it clear how complex and sensitive the topic of digital privacy is. While supporters point to the need to combat crimes, critics are alerted that such measures could significantly restrict the rights and freedoms of the citizens.