New police law in Hesse: Dispute over AI-supported video surveillance!

New police law in Hesse: Dispute over AI-supported video surveillance!

In Hesse, the state government under the CDU and SPD has significantly expanded the rights of the police, in particular through the introduction of video surveillance with artificial intelligence (AI). The state parliament recently approved a comprehensive security law that enables the use of automated facial recognition to quickly respond to impending threats. This new regulation follows a series of incidents that have affected citizens' sense of security. Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) emphasized the necessity of these measures in view of the tense security situation and referred to the authorities' responsibility to act adequately to identify and combat threats in a timely manner, reported F.A.Z..

Police tactics under pressure

The decision to introduce AI into video surveillance sparked strong criticism from opposition parties such as the FDP, the Greens and even the AfD. These parties are alarmed at the way the law was passed and criticize the lack of parliamentary discussion, which they perceive as a “backdoor amendment”. Moritz Promny from the FDP spoke of a constitutional risk and announced that he would take action against the law. In a similar vein, Vanessa Gronemann from the Greens noted that discussions with experts about such a far-reaching legal change would have been necessary because the new law “deeply attacks fundamental rights,” as the hessenschau reported.

The new police law now also allows biometric data comparison in real time and the expansion of video surveillance to additional hot spots. What is particularly causing excitement is the fact that these measures should not be tested in the future, but immediately. Poseck emphasizes that the state must remain able to act, while critics point out that these changes do not mean more security.