Slashdot Mirror
German Data Retention Law Ruled Unconstitutional
mseeger writes "The German Federal Constitutional Court has ruled the country's current data retention law unconstitutional. All stored telephone and email communication data, previously kept for six months in case it was needed by law enforcement, now must be deleted as soon as possible. The court criticized the lack of data security and insufficient restrictions for access to the data. The president of the court said continuing to retain the data would 'cause a diffusely threatening feeling of being under observation that can diminish an unprejudiced perception of one's basic rights in many areas.' While it doesn't disallow data retention in general, the imposed restriction demands a complete reworking of the law."
An anonymous reader contributes the Court's press release and more information on the ruling, both in German.
In my story submission, I included a few more details. 35,000 citizens filed a class-action against this law and now after two years we finally see this law voided.
The "Bundesverfassungsgericht" has once again proven that is the most significant institution in Germany that protects citizens' constitutional rights - in this case the right of informational self-determination.
Although this ruling is what us IT guys would expect from any reasonable court, the fact of the matter is that judges know shit. The Chaos Computer Club worked their asses off providing expertise to the court, while also mobilizing the German IT scene and putting out pressure on opposing (governmental) parties. This is their success and I salute them. Guess I should get around to finally apply for membership myself...
blow your mind already
"How messed up is the US when we have to take cues on privacy laws from, of all people, the Germans?"
Actually, the Germans, "of all people," have the advantage of knowing precisely just how bad things can get.
Regards;