The German government has announced a reform of the intelligence services, expanding their operational competencies to address external threats.

The German government presented on Wednesday a significant reform of its intelligence services, aimed at granting them extensive powers in the context of increased threats since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, emphasized that this reform will transform the intelligence services into "true secret services," allowing them to conduct covert operations and intervene in the face of external threats. Among the new prerogatives is the ability to neutralize computer systems in the event of cyberattacks and to carry out sabotage actions abroad. Additionally, the services will be able to conduct hacking activities without requiring explicit authorization for the transport of weapons abroad.

The reforms are controversial, sparking criticism from those who believe they threaten civil liberties and the private lives of citizens.

The leader of the German liberals warned that a historical taboo has been violated, while the Association for Fundamental Rights expressed concern about the expansion of the intelligence services' powers.