Constitutional Protection Agency to be allowed to store children's data - Germany Proposes Lowering Age Limit for Extremism Data Storage to 14
Interior Minister Christian Pegel has proposed expanding the powers of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) to store data on individuals as young as 14, citing increasing extremist recruitment of children and adolescents. The amendment to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's domestic intelligence law follows recent rulings by Germany's Federal Constitutional Court.
Pegel expressed concern that extremist groups are actively targeting minors for indoctrination. To combat this, he proposed lowering the age calculator limit for data storage from 16 to 14, provided there is concrete evidence of serious extremist activities. The exact lower age limit has not yet been disclosed.
The draft law also introduces a new appeals mechanism for BfV employees. They will be able to submit grievances to the Parliamentary Control Commission (PKK), which will serve as an independent appeals body. This change aims to provide a safer space for officers to raise concerns about their work.
Stricter data protection measures are also being implemented. The amended law will impose harsher requirements for sharing personal data and using 'particularly intrusive measures' by the BfV.
The proposed amendments to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's domestic intelligence law reflect the government's response to evolving extremist recruitment tactics and the need for better protection of intelligence officers. The changes will now be subject to further debate and potential revision before being enacted.
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