Germany Expands Intelligence Agency Powers

The German federal cabinet has approved a comprehensive reform of the country's intelligence services. The reform, spearheaded by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, grants the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) expanded powers to actively combat threats such as sabotage acts or cyber attacks. The services will be able to disrupt ongoing operations, manipulate data, and even carry out offensive cyber operations against foreign infrastructure. The reform has sparked debate, with critics arguing it violates the separation of powers and could lead to mass surveillance.