Germany has approved a major expansion of Federal Police powers. The Bundestag and Bundesrat approved the reform on September 25, after more than five years of legislative attempts. Many of the new powers will apply in train stations, airports and border areas.
Police will be able to use real-time facial recognition. The law permits automatic identification through camera systems. Supporters cited urgent searches, such as finding a kidnapped child, as an example of its potential use.
AI-assisted cameras may flag potentially dangerous situations. Video systems could identify movement patterns suggesting an incident is unfolding, such as someone drawing a knife, throwing a punch or falling onto railway tracks.
Investigative powers will also expand. In investigations involving extremism and human trafficking, officers will have broader authority to track mobile phones and monitor communications, including messages sent through apps.
Travellers may encounter more checks. The law permits random checks in designated weapon-free zones at train stations and on trains.
The reform changes some deportation procedures. Federal Police officers will be able to apply directly for the detention or pre-departure custody of a person facing deportation. The government says this is intended to prevent people from disappearing before deportation.
Civil liberties and discrimination concerns remain. Opposition politicians questioned the use of live biometric surveillance. Anti-discrimination groups are concerned about how the new powers will be used in places where racial profiling complaints have arisen. Police stops based on ethnic appearance remain illegal in Germany.
The government says the law updates an outdated framework. Much of the existing Federal Police Act dates from 1994. The governing coalition argues that officers need tools suited to modern communications, surveillance technology and security threats.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-federal-police-powers-ai-surveillance/a-77993148