(de-news.net) – Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has declared that safety, stability, and the protection of the public must stand at the forefront of Germany’s political agenda in 2026. In line with this priority, he unveiled an extensive security program designed to counter terrorism, organized crime, and a growing range of external threats. According to reports, Dobrindt intends to significantly expand the authority of law enforcement agencies and to underscore that any individual or group seeking to undermine Germany’s democratic order will be met with a resolute and capable state. The overarching objective of the initiative is to ensure that citizens feel secure not only within their homes but also in their everyday routines, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the government’s ability to safeguard the country.
Among the proposed measures are enhanced automated data‑analysis tools and the retention of IP addresses, complemented by the introduction of artificial intelligence systems for facial recognition. This technology would allow for biometric comparison of image data across the internet, thereby improving the identification of suspects and the detection of illicit networks. Dobrindt also aims to revise the federal police’s legal mandate to reflect contemporary security challenges, including the authorization of source‑based telecommunications surveillance. Additional capabilities are envisioned to strengthen defenses against disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and attempts to sabotage critical infrastructure, all of which have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years.
A central component of the minister’s strategy is the adoption of a proactive posture toward hybrid threats, which combine digital, informational, and conventional tactics. To this end, Dobrindt seeks to establish a legislative framework that would permit federal authorities to carry out cyber countermeasures, such as disabling servers or digital systems operated by foreign attackers. A key element of this effort is the anticipated completion of the automated network‑defense platform known as “Cyber Dome” in the coming year. Dobrindt plans to develop this system in close partnership with Israel, drawing on its extensive expertise in cybersecurity to enhance Germany’s defensive capabilities.
The initiative has received conditional support from the Green Party. Its deputy parliamentary leader, Konstantin von Notz, acknowledged the necessity of equipping security agencies with modern, effective tools to protect the fundamental structures of society. However, he stressed that any expansion of state authority must remain firmly within constitutional boundaries and must uphold essential civil liberties. Von Notz issued particular caution regarding broad surveillance practices such as blanket IP retention, arguing that such measures risk infringing on individual rights. As an alternative, he advocated for the Quick‑Freeze procedure, a more targeted and legally restrained approach that allows for the temporary preservation of specific internet data only when authorized by a judicial order and only in clearly defined circumstances.