Following the approval from the Green coalition partner, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) is set to swiftly submit his draft law for the surveillance of messenger services for review. In an interview with APA, Karner remarked, “This could have been done earlier and was also necessary,” emphasizing that the proposal has been under consideration since February. “But better now than never,” he added.
Karner stressed the importance of advancing to equip the police with the necessary tools for modern surveillance. Although he did not commit to whether the law would be passed before the upcoming election, he strongly desired a prompt change.
The Greens have also shown their support for enhanced security checks on personnel at large events, which Karner welcomed: “I am very satisfied to hear that the Greens also want stricter measures on this issue.”
Data protection concerns have been a major obstacle until now. Although security companies have been able to access relevant information through district administrative authorities or magistrates, Karner noted that if such information could now be directly shared with the police, “that would be very welcome.” He added, “Because what is done quickly is done better.”
Karner also highlighted the lack of security checks on non-security personnel at large events. He suggested that for events with certain security requirements, such checks might be necessary in the future. However, he refrained from making specific commitments, such as whether individuals with criminal records should be barred from certain tasks at events. “I’m not in favor of hasty decisions,” Karner said, stressing the need for proper consultation with employers and employee representatives. He made it clear that he focuses on large events and does not intend to impose excessive regulations.
Vienna’s SPÖ Mayor Michael Ludwig also voiced his general support for the surveillance of messenger services. Speaking on Ö1’s “Mittagsjournal,” Ludwig stated, “If this is possible within the framework of basic values and the constitution, it should be done.” He added that it would now be “certainly necessary to use this opportunity to critically examine what additional possibilities should be considered.”
ÖVP General Secretary Christian Stocker expressed satisfaction with the developments, stating, “The persistence of the People’s Party is paying off.” Stocker noted that Ludwig and Vorarlberg SPÖ state party chairman Mario Leiter had once again “shown SPÖ leader Babler the door” with their stance. He pointed out that not everyone in the SPÖ seems willing to follow “Andreas Babler’s reckless security policy course.” Leiter had also identified an “urgent need for action” on the issue in a recent interview with the “Kronen Zeitung.”
