Hundreds march against police AI-assisted surveillance programme in Germany

Article by Viory

March Against Surveillance

Hundreds of protesters from Antifa groups and other social movements marched through central Berlin on Saturday to oppose enhanced police powers allowing the use of AI-powered surveillance tools.

Footage shows demonstrators moving through the city centre, chanting and carrying prop CCTV cutouts, banners, and signs with slogans such as ‘Against digital militarisation of police’, ‘Our lives – your database? No, thank you’, and ‘You are all under suspicion’, among others.

According to media reports, the protest was organised by the network ‘Security without surveillance’ together with supporting civil initiatives, under the motto: “Against the digital upgrade of the police! No biometric mass surveillance and AI-powered manhunts by Palantir & Co.”

Government Expansion Plans

The protest comes as the German government plans to expand police and BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) use of automated Palantir-style data analysis, including AI tools for processing large datasets and biometric searches using facial and voice recognition technologies.

Organisers raised concerns about the risk of discrimination targeting migrants linked to the use of such technologies in a press release issued on Thursday.

Concerns Over Discrimination

“AI reproduces and reinforces state discrimination – especially against those who already enjoy the least protection. The BAMF’s powers degrade refugees to mere objects of racist administrative practice. We must oppose this together and loudly – on the streets and elsewhere,” the statement read.

Critics also warn that the measures would give authorities the power to gather and link personal data on a scale not seen before, including information on people with no criminal suspicion.

Authorities Defend Measures

Authorities, in contrast, argue that the expanded powers are needed to combat terrorism, organised crime and other major security risks in an increasingly digital landscape.

Article by Viory