The new BND law: more sabotage, more surveillance, more hacking

Das neue BND-Gesetz: Mehr Sabotage, mehr Überwachen, mehr Hacken

Founded in 1956, the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is facing the biggest reform in its history. The aim is to move from a defensive to an operational service. The reason for this is the increased threat from Russia, among others. However, the Chancellery also wants to reduce its dependence on US intelligence services. Until now, the BND was only allowed to obtain and analyze information.

In future, the BND is to be given significantly more scope for action. This includes sabotage operations to weaken enemy armed forces, for example, as well as checking internet traffic that travels abroad from Germany. Data can be analyzed using artificial intelligence and facial recognition software is to be used. The foreign intelligence service will also be allowed to carry out hacking, hackbacks and cyber attacks. It will also be allowed to defend itself against drones flying over its properties using "appropriate means". In future, the service will also be allowed to enter homes to install espionage technology or to secretly manipulate and sabotage equipment, such as weapon parts, in order to render them harmless. Informants and spies will also be allowed to commit certain crimes abroad in future.

There are concerns and worries about the use of AI - but also about the possible use of the US police software Palantir. There is a risk that data could be leaked to the USA. Curtain up for lots of questions to our experts about our future security!

EVENT IN COOPERATION WITH GKND E. V.

PARTICIPANTSFlorian Flade, investigative journalistBernd Palenda, former Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

MODERATIONDr. Gerhard Conrad, BND (ret.)Translated with DeepL

Next date:

• Date Thursday, 25/June/2026 19:00
• Venue Deutsches Spionagemuseum
• Address Leipziger Platz 9, 10117 Berlin-Mitte