**Berlin Approves New Expansion of Police Surveillance Powers**

In a move that has raised concerns about civil liberties and the balance between security and individual freedoms, Berlin's regional parliament has passed a significant overhaul of its "security" law. The General Security and Public Order Act (ASOG) has been amended to grant police new authority to conduct both digital and physical surveillance, sparking criticism from opposition parties and human rights groups.

The CDU-SPD coalition, backed by votes from the far-right AfD party, pushed through the reform, which proponents argue modernizes policing for an era of encrypted communication, terrorism, and cybercrime. However, critics contend that the legislation undermines core civil liberties and fundamentally reshapes the relationship between citizens and the state.

One of the most contentious aspects of the new law is the expansion of police powers under paragraphs 26a and 26b. These provisions allow investigators to hack into computers and smartphones under the guise of "source telecommunications surveillance" and "online searches." Police may now install state-developed spyware, known as trojans, on personal devices to intercept messages before or after encryption.

If the software cannot be deployed remotely, the law authorizes officers to secretly enter a person's home to gain access. This enables police to install surveillance programs directly on hardware without the occupant's knowledge. Berlin had previously resisted such practices, but now joins other federal states that permit physical entry to install digital monitoring tools.

Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) defended the legislation, stating that it is necessary to adapt to the changing nature of crime in the digital age. However, opponents argue that the new powers will be used to monitor and intimidate marginalized communities, rather than genuinely combat terrorism or cybercrime.

The expansion of police surveillance powers has significant implications for individual freedoms and privacy. Critics warn that the law will enable widespread abuse of power, as officers can now secretly install monitoring software on personal devices without a warrant or probable cause. This raises concerns about the potential for mass surveillance, targeting vulnerable groups, and eroding trust in law enforcement.

As Berlin joins other states in expanding police powers, it remains to be seen how this will impact civil liberties and public perception of policing. The approval of the new legislation has sparked heated debates and protests across the city, highlighting the need for ongoing scrutiny and accountability in the use of surveillance technologies.