Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) may soon gain the authority to conduct covert searches of private residences in specific cases, according to a draft law proposed by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

The proposal, which is still under government review, aims to allow such searches only when there is a clear threat of a terrorist attack and no other means to avert the danger without compromising a criminal investigation.

A judge's order would be required for these searches.

The draft also includes provisions for biometric data matching and the use of AI tools to analyze existing data, but explicitly excludes real-time surveillance in public spaces.

Critics, including the Free Democratic Party and the German Journalists Association, warn that these measures could infringe on civil liberties and press freedom, likening them to tactics used in police states.

Proponents argue that modern investigative tools are necessary to combat international terrorism effectively.