Mario Leiter, chairman of the SPÖ Vorarlberg, city police commander in Bludenz and chairman of Austria’s community security guards, today comments on the current security policy challenges and calls on the government and all political forces in the country to take decisive action:
“The recent incidents surrounding the cancellation of the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna show one thing clearly: there is an urgent need for action when it comes to the powers of our security apparatus! As a Social Democrat, it is important to me to note that responsibility for public safety lies with the ÖVP Interior Minister – but all parties must contribute constructively to this difficult debate. The fact is: new rules are needed for monitoring messenger services,” emphasizes Leiter.
Constitutionally compliant measures and source TKÜ for more security
“The threat of terrorism and organized crime is real. Our security authorities must be able to take effective action against such threats,” explains Leiter. He calls for legal requirements for the monitoring of encrypted communications within the framework of the so-called Source telecommunications monitoring (Source TKÜ).
“While telephone monitoring is already possible in individual cases after legal approval, the monitoring of communication via WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and other messenger services is not yet permitted. This urgently needs to be changed and is for the safety of all of us.”
Leiter emphasizes: “This measure should only be used to monitor the most serious organized crime and terrorism. As a neutral country, it is essential for Austria to act independently of foreign security authorities and to be able to independently ensure the safety of our population.”
Leiter points out that criminal actors in the 21st century almost exclusively use encrypted communication via messenger services. “Our laws must keep up with technological progress. Otherwise we risk that our security authorities will no longer be able to carry out their tasks.”
Protection of fundamental rights and control of measures
“The Constitutional Court has confirmed that interference with fundamental rights is permitted under strict conditions. We categorically reject mass surveillance. The Quelle TKÜ is used exclusively to combat the most serious crime and terrorism.”
Leiter demands that all surveillance measures be backed up by technical and legal safeguards to prevent misuse. “It is crucial that surveillance itself is monitored. An independent, third authority must ensure that the lawful processing of the data is guaranteed. The approval and implementation of surveillance must be strictly separated so that the population’s trust in the rule of law is maintained.
“As a police officer with 40 years of service experience, I care about the best possible protection of the people in our country. The source TKÜ is a necessary means of counteracting serious crimes and terrorism preventively without violating fundamental rights. Freedom is a great good, but it must not be abused by those who want to harm society. It is our duty to protect the population from these dangers without violating the rights of citizens,” concluded Leiter.