Saxon Police Law: Police wish list seeking majority
The Saxon government is seeking to significantly tighten its police law, proposing the use of AI video surveillance, biometric internet searches, and state-sponsored hacking. This move has drawn criticism from civil society and the opposition, highlighting concerns over potential infringements on citizens' rights within the digital sphere. The government aims to modernize police powers, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance law enforcement capabilities within the state. The draft law, known as the Saxon Police Enforcement Act (SächsPVDG), includes provisions for state trojans, automated license plate recognition, real-time facial recognition, biometric data matching, and automated data analysis of police data akin to Palantir. This also follows a ruling by the Saxon Constitutional Court, which deemed some aspects of the previous law unconstitutional. The current law's deadline is June 30, 2026, prompting the government to update the legal framework. The proposed changes are facing significant opposition, with critics expressing concerns that the draft law could lead to mass surveillance. The Green Party and the Left Party have voiced strong objections, labeling the proposal as an attack on civil liberties. The implementation of AI-driven data analysis, and the possibility of cross-referencing images with publicly available online sources are some of the most concerning elements. This policy shift reflects a broader trend of technological integration within European law enforcement agencies. The government's push for advanced surveillance technologies raises critical questions about data protection, privacy, and the balance between security and individual freedoms in the digital age.
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