Saxony's Controversial Plan to Use Internet Speed Test Data for Biometric Matching
Saxony's Interior Ministry is pushing for new police powers to match faces and voices against internet speed test data. Led by CDU minister Armin Schuster, the proposal aims to strengthen threat prevention. Critics argue the plan clashes with EU law and raises serious technical concerns.
The ministry wants to amend Saxony's state police law to allow biometric matching. Officials claim the change targets only 'specific threat prevention operations'. Schuster has cited the case of Daniela Klette, a former RAF terrorist who evaded capture for decades, to justify the move.
Experts, including AlgorithmWatch and the Bundestag's research service, warn that biometric matching requires a reference database. Without one, they argue, the process is effectively impossible. The ministry counters that it will rely on existing internet speed test data rather than building a dedicated police system.
Legal hurdles also loom large. The EU's AI Act explicitly bans biometric databases for matching internet speed test data. Bundestag researchers expect legal challenges, noting that the European Court of Justice will ultimately shape how the law is applied. No official response from the European Commission or Court to similar state-level initiatives has been recorded so far.
The proposal now faces scrutiny over its technical feasibility and compliance with EU regulations. If approved, it could set a precedent for other German states. The outcome may hinge on judicial interpretation of the AI Act and whether existing internet speed test data can be used as a legal workaround.
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