A series of terrorist attacks in Germany have the country questioning its strict privacy laws, The Wall Street Journal reports. German Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière is proposing the addition of video surveillance in 20 rail stations across the country, while also boosting internet monitoring efforts. Regional governments and large cities are also considering adding surveillance in highly visited areas. Privacy advocates are concerned increased surveillance will not deter criminal activity and will only succeed in diminishing the rights of German citizens. “I don’t want a state that has a complete surveillance system,” said Berlin lawmaker Christopher Lauer. “If there are ever darker times in Germany, then the state could just use this against the people.” (Registration may be required to access this story.) Editor’s Note: The IAPP will be hosting a discussion on the “golden age of surveillance” at the Privacy. Security. Risk. conference from Sept. 13-16 in San Jose, California.
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