The threat of terrorism remains high, IS sympathizers pose a danger, but the executive branch still lacks the instruments to stop all perpetrators.
In the debate about the increasing danger of Islamism in the country, Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, Director of State Security and Intelligence Service (DSN), made it clear once again in an interview with the “Krone”: “I would like to say that there is currently no concrete threat . However, the risk of a terrorist attack by terrorist organizations such as IS or highly radicalized individuals remains very high.”
The renewed demand for a federal Trojan horse including better monitoring of messenger services such as WhatsApp and Co. is therefore legitimate. It is said that this “tool” is essential to keep the new threats at bay in the future.
Debates at political level paralyze researchers
While many other EU countries – Germany for example since 2017 (!) – have been hunting criminals and potential terrorists with a federal Trojan, people in this country are still hesitant. A ready-made document from the ÖVP-led Ministry of the Interior has long been with the green coalition partner and, according to critics, is waiting for ‘better times’. As is known, data protection officers and the like not only fear high costs, but also that researchers will be able to read innocent citizens in the future.
But the top researcher explains: “What we want is to be able to monitor the communication of high-risk individuals on an individual basis. Here we are among the worst performers in Europe, and that should not be the case – to protect the population,” said Haijawi-Pirchner. Instead of ‘condoning’ people now want a quick and clear decision. A lot can happen in an election year…
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
