**New Law Sparks Controversy: Berlin Police Granted Power to Install Spyware in Private Homes**

In a move that has sparked widespread criticism and concern over civil liberties, the German House of Representatives has approved sweeping changes to the city's police law. The new legislation, backed by the governing CDU-SPD coalition and opposition AfD, grants Berlin police broad new powers over both physical and digital surveillance.

One of the most contentious aspects of the new law is the provision that allows police to secretly enter private homes to install spyware if remote access isn't possible. This means that without a warrant or explicit permission from the homeowner, officers can now break into a suspect's home to install malware or other types of digital surveillance software.

The updated rules also permit Berlin police to physically break into homes for digital surveillance purposes. Additionally, phones and computers can be hacked to monitor communication, raising fears about the potential for misuse and intrusion on private life.

But that's not all – the new law also expands surveillance in public areas. Authorities can now collect phone data from everyone in a location, scan license plates, and counter drones. Moreover, they can use facial and voice recognition to identify people from surveillance images, while real police data can be used to train AI.

Interior Senator Iris Spranger of the SPD party has defended the move, stating that it will provide law enforcement with better tools to fight terrorism and organized crime. The city has indeed seen a rise in crime, with over 539,000 offenses recorded in 2024 alone – more than the year before.

However, critics argue that this new legislation risks misuse and intrudes on private life. Civil rights groups have condemned the expanded use of AI and facial recognition as "a massive attack on civil liberties." The NoASOG campaign alliance also strongly criticized the reform, saying: "What is being sold as security policy is in reality the establishment of an authoritarian surveillance state."

Opposition to the law has grown since its passage. During the debate, Green Party MP Vasili Franco described it as a wish list for a state with excessive control over its citizens. The increased use of AI and facial recognition technology has raised concerns about the potential for mass surveillance and the erosion of individual freedoms.

As Berlin continues to grapple with rising crime rates – including violent crimes such as assault and domestic violence – the need for effective policing is undeniable. However, critics argue that the new law goes too far in compromising civil liberties and inviting abuse.

The passage of this legislation has sparked an intense debate about the balance between security and individual freedoms. As the city's residents and lawmakers continue to grapple with these complex issues, one thing is clear: the impact of this new law will be felt for years to come.