The German Ministry of Defence has introduced strict restrictions on the use of personal devices within the ministry building and Bundeswehr units. This was reported by Der Spiegel, citing an internal security directive.
Under the new instructions, staff are prohibited from bringing personal mobile phones, tablets, or smartwatches to in-person or virtual meetings where materials classified as “secret, for official use” or above are discussed. Prior to such meetings, devices must be left in dedicated lockers in the corridors. Similar rules apply to offices where documents of the corresponding classification level are stored.
The measure has been taken against the backdrop of a growing espionage threat. The directive emphasises that personal smartphones can be used by foreign intelligence services for eavesdropping, data extraction, or geolocation. The German armed forces and the defence ministry have been identified as priority intelligence targets, particularly from Russia and China. The restrictions may also serve as protection against the planning of potential sabotage operations.
The initiative comes from Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The document was circulated to staff as early as mid-February, and many officials were additionally briefed in person. The restrictions have affected virtually all offices at the ministry’s Berlin headquarters.
The German Defence Ministry has not yet officially commented on the publication; however, sources confirm that these are preventive measures to strengthen information security amid geopolitical tensions.
Previously, similar restrictions on the use of personal devices were introduced in a number of other European countries and NATO institutions due to concerns over cyber-espionage and data leaks.