Risky Bulletin Risky Bulletin: Germany seeks more hacking and surveillance powers for its intel service
Jan 18, 2026
Germany is pushing for broader hacking powers for its intelligence service, while Finland plans to crack down on disinformation supporting foreign agendas. During a significant internet outage in Iran, patriotic social media accounts went suspiciously silent. In the world of cybercrime, hackers are extorting GrubHub with threats of releasing stolen files. Additionally, a major crypto theft of $282 million has been linked to social engineering tactics. Various vulnerabilities in tech services also come under scrutiny, raising concerns about digital security.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Germany Expands Intelligence Hacking And Surveillance
- Germany's draft law would let the BND store full internet communications and hack foreign service providers.
- The changes also expand surveillance to foreigners and some journalists, broadening BND powers significantly.
Finland Targets Foreign-Backed Disinformation
- Finland plans to criminalise spreading false information on behalf of foreign governments to counter disinformation.
- The proposed law targets local operatives aiding foreign disinformation, though penalties remain unclear.
EU Moves To Ban High-Risk Chinese Equipment
- The EU draft Cybersecurity Act includes a provision to ban Chinese telecom and solar equipment like Huawei and ZTE.
- The measure is part of wider moves to limit high-risk foreign suppliers in critical infrastructure.