Saxony passes police law enabling AI surveillance and facial recognition (heise.de)

• Landtag vote 60-53; CDU/SPD coalition relies on BSW support
• Law permits AI video surveillance, facial recognition, state trojans
• Palantir excluded, tasers restricted to special units
• Opposition and CCC warn of fundamental rights erosion

"The Saxony state parliament passed a new police law on June 25, 2026, by a narrow vote of 60 to 53. The law authorizes AI-powered video surveillance, real-time biometric facial recognition, automated license plate readers, and state trojans for encrypted messaging. The minority coalition of CDU and SPD depended on support from the BSW party. Critics from opposition parties and civil liberties groups warn of fundamental rights violations. The constitutional court had declared parts of the previous law unconstitutional, forcing a new regulation by end of June. The law omits Palantir software and restricts tasers to special units."