Leichtfried Aims for Terror Monitoring Legislation Before Summer

Jörg Leichtfried, the State Secretary responsible for national security in Austria, is pushing for the implementation of a surveillance program aimed at monitoring messaging services for potential terrorist activities. This initiative, outlined in the government's policy agenda, could be approved by the National Council before the summer, according to Leichtfried.

Highlighting the current security landscape in Austria, Leichtfried emphasized the urgency of establishing a monitoring system for a small group of individuals suspected of planning terrorist acts. He stated that the primary goal is to electronically track these individuals through their use of messaging platforms.

In discussions with the Austrian Press Agency, Leichtfried stressed that any proposed regulations must adhere to constitutional standards. He reassured that the State Secretariat for Security and Intelligence has actively contributed to the development of the legislation, aiming to ensure its compliance with legal frameworks.

The forthcoming legislation is expected to include provisions that require the involvement of the legal protection officer within the Interior Ministry before any access to the mobile data of potential threats is permitted. However, there remains uncertainty regarding how to handle incidental findings that may not directly indicate terrorism but could expose other criminal activities. Leichtfried acknowledged that further discussions within the coalition are necessary on this matter.

Additionally, Leichtfried announced plans to tighten the Vereinsgesetz (Associations Act) to address organizations that do not acknowledge democratic principles. He reiterated the government's commitment to implementing measures that reinforce a resilient democracy, although he noted that specific legislative proposals are not imminent and that adjustments will be made across various areas.

Austria currently maintains a high level of terror alert, which Leichtfried indicated is justified given the prevailing circumstances. He aims to collaborate with Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to enhance the security of the nation, positioning the proposed threat monitoring as the first step in a broader strategy.

Leichtfried also emphasized the importance of international cooperation among state security and intelligence agencies, particularly within Europe. Strengthening information exchange is deemed crucial not only for Austria but for all member states.

In light of ongoing economic challenges, the role of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism has been highlighted as a critical line of defense against industrial and economic espionage. Leichtfried pointed out that safeguarding Austria's innovative export sector is vital, as it directly impacts job security and tax revenues.

Regarding intelligence activities, Leichtfried called for modifications to Paragraph 256 of the Penal Code, which currently only penalizes the establishment or support of a covert intelligence service when it harms the Republic of Austria. This legal ambiguity often hampers the prosecution of such activities, leading to cases being stalled.

Leichtfried defended the efforts of the employees within the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, who he asserted perform demanding and essential work with professionalism and expertise. He suggested that political parties like the FPÖ should reflect on their past actions that weakened the security apparatus during their brief time in government.