Germany's Federal Constitutional Court has ruled that parts of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) law are unconstitutional, requiring amendments.

The court found that certain provisions for data collection and storage infringe on the right to informational self-determination.

The Society for Civil Rights (GFF) had challenged the 2017 reformed BKA law, arguing it allowed excessive surveillance, including the covert monitoring of individuals connected to suspects.

The court emphasized the need for a specific connection to a threat for such measures.

Additionally, the court criticized the lack of clear guidelines on data retention.

The ruling mandates legislative changes by July 2025, marking a significant victory for privacy advocates and urging lawmakers to define surveillance powers more precisely.