*** unfortunately the links are mostly in german ***
On December 4, 2025, the Berlin House of Representatives passed the amendment to the General Security and Public Order Act (ASOG). This legislative change represents a massive attack on everyone’s fundamental rights. Below, we take a look at various sources that critically examine the new law and highlight the background and its impact on society.
The podcast “Look into my eyes, baby” – A conversation with Lukas Theune
A particularly insightful contribution to the discussions surrounding the ASOG is the episode “Look into my eyes, baby” of the podcast (R)echt Interessant!, in which Lukas Theune, a specialist in criminal law and managing director of the Republican Lawyers’ Association (RAV), was invited as an expert. In this episode, Theune discusses the far-reaching implications of the amendment and the dangers it poses to fundamental rights and civil liberties.
In his interview, Theune primarily criticizes the planned expansion of preventive measures, which involve the use of technologies for monitoring and controlling the population. According to Theune, these developments pose a clear threat to the democratic rule of law, as they are in direct conflict with citizens’ freedom rights.
In this context, the RAV’s open letter—which opposes the amendment and takes a clear stand against the expansion of police power—is also relevant. The letter calls for an immediate halt to the changes in the ASOG and highlights the danger that the law could lead to the creation of a police state.
Click here for the RAV’s open letter: Stop the ASOG Amendment
Netzpolitik.org – Analysis and Criticism from the Internet Policy Scene
The Netzpolitik website has reported on the changes to the ASOG on multiple occasions, repeatedly highlighting the negative effects of the amendment. Several articles demonstrate that the law expands control over citizens’ digital lives and massively restricts their rights to data protection and privacy.
An article by Netzpolitik dated December 4, 2025, titled “New Police Law in Berlin Undermines Freedom,” explains how the law undermines political freedom and the right to assembly while enabling even greater police surveillance of the population. Biometric surveillance and the planned use of behavior scanners are just two of many measures included in the amendment that are viewed very critically by the public.
Further articles worth reading on Netzpolitik:
Continued sharp criticism of the new Berlin police law
A departure from policies that respect fundamental rights: New police law in Berlin
Behavioral scanners against the population: Berlin Senate plans new surveillance measures
LabourNet – A collection of critical articles on the ASOG amendment
LabourNet, a platform dedicated to social policy and labor law issues, has published a collection of articles on its website regarding the amendment to the ASOG. This collection provides a good overview of the political debates and the far-reaching implications of the law.
Read more on LabourNet: Articles on the ASOG on LabourNet
