State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried of the SPÖ announced that Austria's messenger surveillance system is expected to be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The software is currently in procurement while new staff are being hired and trained.
The government plans to implement this surveillance to prevent attacks that threaten the constitution. This initiative follows a November 11, 2026, coalition agreement on a new espionage law that criminalizes spying against international organizations.
The law faces legal challenges as the FPÖ and Greens have petitioned the Constitutional Court to repeal it. A final ruling is still pending, though the government currently intends for the surveillance measures to officially take effect in early 2027.
