German security chief simplifies tracking right-wing extremist financing

Germany’s top security official implements measures to streamline tracking of funding for right-wing extremists and launches an “early recognition unit” to detect far-right and foreign misinformation campaigns promptly

Germany’s top security official announced on Tuesday her intention to simplify the tracking of funding for right-wing extremists and establish an “early recognition unit” to identify far-right and foreign misinformation campaigns at the earliest possible stage. 

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser’s plans come in response to significant protests against the far right in Germany recently, reflecting heightened concerns following a report indicating that extremists had convened to discuss the deportation of millions of immigrants, including some with German citizenship. The report also suggested the presence of members from the far-right Alternative for Germany party, which has seen a doubling of support since the country’s 2021 election. 

According to Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the number of far-right extremists has been on the rise, reaching 38,800 in 2022, with 14,000 of them deemed potentially violent. The agency’s director, Thomas Haldenwang, indicated that these numbers are believed to have increased further last year. 

Faeser noted that efforts to disrupt the financing of extremists have been hindered by limitations on financial investigations, which are currently restricted to “inciting and violence-oriented” movements. She proposed amending the law to allow a group’s “threat potential” to serve as grounds for such investigations, with the aim of expediting the process and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. 

She expressed that individuals who contribute to a right-wing extremist organization should not go unnoticed. 

Faeser also mentioned that she is collaborating with local authorities to prevent right-wing extremists from entering or exiting the country. 

“German right-wing extremists and foreign autocrats share a common goal: to fuel anger and division, particularly through disinformation,” Faeser stated. 

She highlighted the issue of fabricated accounts and, increasingly, AI-generated images and videos. 

The “early recognition unit,” situated at the Interior Ministry, is expected to commence operations “hopefully in a few months,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of early detection of manipulation and influence campaigns. 

Source: AP