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Sporrer: No expansion of messenger monitoring for criminal cases!
Justice Minister Anna Sporrer rules out an expansion of messenger surveillance. The focus remains on terror prevention.
Sporrer: No expansion of messenger monitoring for criminal cases!
Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) is ruling out any expansion of the messenger monitoring measure recently passed in the National Council. In her statement, she emphasized that this surveillance should only serve to prevent and defend against terrorism. “I am not available for anything else,” explained Sporrer and announced a veto in the Council of Ministers if expansions were to occur. She insists that experience must first be gained in the already defined, narrow scope of application before further discussion about possible changes. According to Sporrer, the law must now be put into practice.
The messenger monitoring measure is to be applied from 2027 and only covers cases of terrorist and unconstitutional activities as well as espionage. Sporrer describes this as a very reduced approach. Messenger surveillance is viewed as an interference with fundamental rights under strict conditions. The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for the legal framework and will take care of the legally compliant software.
The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office should set new standards
A significant innovation associated with the measure is the creation of a federal public prosecutor's office as the highest authority in criminal proceedings. This will consist of an equal committee of three elected for a period of six years. Members should have at least ten years of professional experience as judges or prosecutors. The selection process for these positions will take place in two stages: An independent selection committee will evaluate the applications and check the integrity of the candidates. The resulting proposal is then submitted to the National Council for election.
Sporrer emphasizes the need for transparency and a broad basis in the selection of candidates and rejects concerns that the selection of personnel could be influenced by party politics. A similar model for electing constitutional judges and supreme public prosecutors is common in many other EU states. Sporrer also emphasizes the high qualification requirements and personal requirements that apply to the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office.
Prosecutors express criticism of the strict regulations
The limited spectrum of messenger surveillance, which only targets serious terrorist attacks, is seen as a potential security risk. The political compromise on messenger surveillance is seen by many as too broad or insufficient, increasing concerns about security in Austria. The discussion on these issues remains wide-ranging and could lead to further reforms in the future.
For further information about the measures and their implementation, please visit Vienna.at, ORF.at and The press.