#Berlin Police Can Now Secretly Enter Homes to Install State Trojans

A new law in Berlin grants police extensive powers to collect data from IT systems, sparking concerns about civil liberties.

#Overview of the New Law

The Berlin House of Representatives has passed an amendment to the General Security and Public Order Act (ASOG), granting the police extensive new powers to collect data from IT systems. The law, which was passed with the support of the CDU, SPD, and AfD parties, allows investigators to secretly enter suspects' homes to install state trojans and monitor encrypted communication.

#Key Provisions of the New Law

• Secret entry and search of premises to install state trojans
• Expanded use of bodycams in private homes and non-public areas
• Cell tower query expansion to create movement profiles
• Automatic license plate recognition systems
• Biometric comparisons of faces and voices with internet data
• Further processing of personal data for AI training and testing

#Concerns and Criticisms

• Constitutional violation
• Disproportionate attack on privacy and civil liberties
• Frontal attack on IT security
• Density of surveillance is constitutionally questionable

#Background

The Berlin police have been seeking to expand their powers in recent years, citing the need to combat terrorism and organized crime. However, critics argue that the new law goes too far and will disproportionately affect innocent citizens.

#What's Next

The new law is expected to come into effect soon, and critics are planning to challenge it in court. The Society for Civil Rights (GFF) has announced that it will examine a constitutional complaint, and other groups are also planning to take action.

#Expert Opinions

• "The legalization of state trojans is a frontal attack on the IT security of all citizens." - Meike Kamp, Berlin's data protection officer
• "This is a black day for civil liberties." - Niklas Schrader (Die Linke)
• "The amendment is constitutionally highly risky." - Vasili Franco (Greens)

#Related Developments

• The use of state trojans and other surveillance tools has been a contentious issue in Germany, with many experts and civil rights groups expressing concerns about the potential for abuse.
• The Berlin government has defended the law as a necessary update for the digital age and the fight against terrorism.

#Impact on Citizens

• The new law may lead to an increase in surveillance and data collection, potentially affecting innocent citizens.
• The use of state trojans and other surveillance tools may undermine trust in the police and the government.

#Conclusion

The new law in Berlin grants police extensive powers to collect data from IT systems, sparking concerns about civil liberties. Critics argue that the law is a disproportionate attack on privacy and civil liberties, and that it may undermine trust in the police and the government.