From . – 9.08.2024 16:03 (Updated 9.08.2024 16:04)
The debate about messenger surveillance continues. ©Canva (symbol image)
The prevented terrorist attack at Taylor Swift’s performance in Vienna led to a renewed debate about the surveillance of messenger services.
While the ÖVP-led Interior Ministry referred to a draft law presented in May of this year, the Green coalition partner appeared in the Ö1 midday journal to be basically willing to talk, but wants to see a proposal that complies with the constitution. The opposition wants this too.
Monitoring of messenger services: debate continues
For Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens), the main question is to what extent the current and future legislative proposals on content monitoring are in line with fundamental rights and data protection, as well as constitutional. The Interior Ministry says that the latest proposal has been with the Green coalition partner since May of this year and, in their opinion, is constitutional.
SPÖ security spokesman Reinhold Einwallner saw things differently in a press release and criticized Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), who was unable to “present a draft law that complies with the constitution, despite repeated requests.” As soon as such a proposal is made, it can be examined, said Einwallner. In addition, the SPÖ demanded that Karner provide clarification on the timing of the investigations into the terror plans surrounding the Taylor Swift concerts. The FPÖ continued to reject the monitoring of messenger services due to the threat of a restriction of basic rights. The NEOS, however, criticized the lack of data protection in the proposed law and demanded a proposal that complies with the constitution, as did the FPÖ.
