FPÖ criticism: draft law for messenger monitoring failed!

FPÖ criticism: draft law for messenger monitoring failed!

On May 30, 2025, the assessment period for the controversial draft law on Messenger monitoring in Austria ends. The FPÖ security spokesman NABG. Gernot Darmann declared the draft as failed after numerous statements by data protectionists, human rights organizations and the chamber of lawyers have sharply criticized him. Churches are also rejecting the project that provides for access to messenger data for security authorities.

The focus of criticism is the planned software that wants to take advantage of security gaps in mobile phones in order to implement surveillance mechanisms. Darmann pointed out that the state should close security gaps instead of actively taking advantage of it. The surveillance is intended to affect 20 to 30 “endangers” per year, but arouses fears that government -critical citizens could also be targeted.

criticism of the draft and the legal bases

The criticism of the messenger monitoring, which is supposed to refer to platforms such as WhatsApp and Skype, includes legal concerns about data protection and the possible spread of malware. On Tuesday, warnings of the drainage of data were particularly loud. According to the design, monitoring should be approved for a maximum of three months, with the possibility of extension; In addition, those affected must be informed after the measure.

The data protection authority has voiced neutrally, but points out the serious interventions in fundamental rights. In particular, the lack of control over the software solutions used and the dependence on contractual assurances of the providers were criticized by the Internet service provider association (ISPA) and others. Amnesty International has expressed similar concerns about transparency and control, which indicates the far -reaching implications of such surveillance.

social and political context

In a broader context, Amnesty International emphasizes that digital technologies can be used to improve communication and medical care as well as for surveillance and oppression. Authoritarian governments abuse splowing software against activists, and there are growing concerns worldwide regarding digital violence that threatens marginalized groups in particular. Dealing with surveillance technologies and data protection becomes increasingly relevant in view of such challenges.

In order to protect human rights in the digital world, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, require binding legal framework. This includes the creation of independent control instances and transparency in the use of AI technologies.

The next steps regarding the draft law for messenger monitoring could be crucial for dealing with digital technologies in Austria. Many actors in civil society will observe developments in the coming days and weeks, especially against the background of the upcoming federal election with the focus on compliance with human rights.

Overall, both the NEOS and other political voices are skeptical about the design, which may have a profound effect on the privacy of citizens. The outstanding statements could have an impact on the legislator's decision.

The Austrian legislature now faces the challenge of ensuring both the security of the population as well as to respect fundamental rights and data protection. In view of the increasing digital surveillance, a balancing act between security and freedom must be found.

Further information on the risks and concerns about digital surveillance can be found in the reports of The press , Amnesty International as well as the OTA press .