The German cabinet, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on Wednesday approved a package of bills that significantly expands the powers of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). The reform, prepared by the Interior Ministry under Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), is intended to turn Germany’s intelligence agencies into “genuine secret services” capable not only of gathering information but also of actively countering threats.
Until now, the activities of the BND and BfV have largely been limited to collecting and analysing data. The services will now receive operational power. They will be able to conduct “hack-backs” — penetrating attackers’ IT systems, disabling them, and manipulating or deleting data. The BND will be allowed to interfere with the infrastructure of foreign actors during cyberattacks or disinformation campaigns against Germany and, in cases of special danger or a state of defence, to carry out acts of sabotage abroad (while the use of force against people remains prohibited). The BfV will be able, for example, to neutralise terrorists’ weapons and explosives, including by entering premises in strictly limited cases.
The reform also expands capabilities for data collection and processing: the use of artificial intelligence to analyse large volumes of information, online device searches, access to video surveillance, longer data retention, and simplified surveillance procedures. At the same time, oversight of the intelligence services is being strengthened.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated: “We are turning our intelligence services into genuine secret services. It is high time we reached the level of our partner services around the world.” The authorities justify the changes by citing the rise in hybrid threats — cyberattacks, espionage, sabotage and disinformation, including from foreign states. The more than 700-page package of documents must now be approved by the Bundestag. The law is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2027.