Austria Drafts Stricter Surveillance Law
The Justice Ministry is creating a new law about spying. It will punish people who spy against international groups. The law is being looked at by other political parties.
The new law, called ‘Criminal Surveillance Law 2026,’ changes how spying is treated. Before, only spying against Austria was a crime. Now, the law will punish spying against organizations outside of Austria. The SPÖ is leading the work on this law. The ÖVP and NEOS parties are also reviewing the draft. This means the law could change before it is finished.
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Highlights
New Law Targets Espionage
The Justice Ministry is creating a law to punish spying.
Focus on International Organizations
The law will punish spying against international groups.
Previous Law Limited Scope
Before, spying was only punished if it hurt Austria.
SPÖ Leads Law Creation
The Social Democratic Party is leading the drafting of the law.
'Criminal Surveillance Law 2026' Proposed
The new law is called ‘Criminal Surveillance Law 2026’.