Switzerland mulls enhanced intelligence service powers

The Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) needs new tools to better detect threats related to terrorism, violent extremism, espionage, and cyberattacks, according to the government. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The Federal Council adopted a revised law on Wednesday and has forwarded it for parliamentary scrutiny. + Swiss university tackle espionage threat after Iran scandal The law governing the Swiss intelligence service has been in force since 2017. But since then, the situation has deteriorated considerably worldwide, including in Switzerland. Since 2020, FIS has been dealing with an increasing number of threats targeting critical infrastructure. The first stage of the review focuses on the early detection of serious threats. To tackle violent extremism, the government wants to extend surveillance powers that are currently available in other areas, such as cases of terrorism. + Swiss government accused of massive online surveillance Further ...