Unobtrusive Text Messaging: The Era of Undetectable Monitoring
In Germany, a controversial technology known as silent SMS is being used by law enforcement agencies for covert surveillance during investigations. These special text messages, which do not trigger any visible notification on the recipient's phone, are instead designed to elicit location data based on the mobile network cell the device is connected to [1].
The Thuringia Police, among others, have employed this technology in serious criminal investigations such as treason, murder, drug offenses, and significant financial crimes like money laundering and tax evasion. The legal basis for this surveillance method can be found in the German Code of Criminal Procedure, which permits law enforcement to use silent SMS under strict conditions tied to serious offenses [1].
Both the State Criminal Police Office and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution have the capability to utilize silent SMS technology within this legal framework [1]. The costs for sending these messages are usually borne by the respective authority, although personnel costs and costs for operating the system are not taken into account. In 2024, the Thuringian police incurred costs of 19,007.03 euros (gross) for sending silent SMS [1].
Last year, the Constitutional Protection Agency in Thuringia sent approximately 500 silent SMS messages to three individuals to determine their whereabouts. The use of silent SMS by the police is a topic of ongoing debate and discussion, not just in Thuringia, but across Germany [1].
Meanwhile, the debate over Palantir, a controversial analysis software, is also intensifying in Germany. Founded by tech billionaire Peter Thiel, known for his conservative views and proximity to former US President Trump, Palantir's software, "Gotham," is used by intelligence agencies, the military, and police to collect and connect millions of data points from various sources [2].
The Society for Civil Liberties (GFF) has filed a constitutional complaint against the laws in Bavaria that allow the use of Palantir's VeRA platform. While Bavaria, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia are already using Palantir's software, the Hamburg interior authority has rejected its use. The police in Baden-Württemberg are planning to use Palantir's software with the support of the green-black state government [2].
Concerns about the potential for abuse and infringement on civil liberties have been raised regarding both silent SMS and Palantir's software. Many in Europe view the dependence on US companies for important security technologies critically, and Peter Thiel's conservative views and proximity to former US President Trump have also been a point of contention [3].
In summary, silent SMS and Palantir's software are controversial technologies that are generating intense debate in Germany. With concerns about civil liberties and the potential for abuse, the use of these technologies in surveillance activities is a topic of ongoing discussion and regulation.
References: 1. German Code of Criminal Procedure 2. Palantir in Germany 3. Peter Thiel in Germany
- The controversy surrounding Palantir, a cybersecurity and data-and-cloud-computing company founded by tech billionaire Peter Thiel, is escalating in Germany, raising concerns about potential abuses and infringements on civil liberties.
- In addition to the debate over Palantir's software, the use of a covert surveillance method known as silent SMS by law enforcement agencies in Germany is under close scrutiny, with critics questioning its legality and impact on privacy rights.
- Policymakers and legislators in Germany are actively discussing policy-and-legislation proposals concerning both silent SMS technology and the use of Palantir's software to regulate their use in investigations, balancing the need forCombating crime with the protection of citizens' rights and general-news interests.
