Metadata Retention Law in Germany- This fast-paced digital world where digitalization. Of every institution is on the verge. Even the most sensitive and secret data of the state is digitalized now. In such condition the physical boundaries of the countries become penetrable. The governments of various countries started believing. That the practice of data retention could save their political and security concerns.Whereas some think tanks consider it as an authority of government. To retain data that can be utilized in times of criminal investigations.
However, what, so the reasons or justifications are. Rules should never be made at the cost of citizen’s right. To online privacy in the name of criminal catch-hold. Despite numerous protest by the people. The governments of these regions turned a deaf ear. And are coming up with more and more strict data retention laws as time passing. Moreover, many of these countries debuted metadata retention law. After Edward Snowden revealed the spying practices of NSA.
Many countries then started following the footstep of the US government. Noticeably, Germany is also one of those countries. Where the parliament members had passed the metadata retention law in Germany. With mutual consent, forgetting about the concurrence of the data holder. The suffering of German netizens. However, more than 84% of citizens use the internet in Germany. But they are still helpless in front of this strictly implemented data retention law across the country. (also read how to avoid data retention in Australia).
What Is Data Retention Law?
Data retention law is the legal authority sanctioned by the government. By which the government has given the power to retain the data of citizens legally. This law is implemented through telecommunications companies. Which are made requisite to preserve the call details. Like caller number, duration, and location, message details and track of internet data traffic. Transaction particulars of the users. They then pass this information to the government. Through the back doors when asked. Metadata retention law in Germany has stricken over the past years. Following the footsteps of the United States.
When and Why Is It Implemented In Germany?
Germany holds a controversial history timeline. Of its attempts of data retention law implementation. Back in 2010, the government of Germany got the old EU’s DRD (Data Retention Directive). That was of 2006 into effects along with Germany’s Implementation Act. That ratified EU’s DRD as German National Law. But it was ruled as invalid regarding the violation. Of fundamental rights by FCC, Federal Constitutional Court.
Following this, in 2014, the European Court of Justice decreed the Metadata retention law in Germany. With no limitation, exception. And the distinction was verily a clear violation of human rights. Following are the grounds given by EU Court of Justice on which it is decreed invalid:
‘The directive interferes in a particularly serious manner. With the fundamental rights to respect for private life. And to the protection of personal data. Furthermore, the fact that data are retained and subsequently used. Without the subscriber or registered user being informed. It is likely to generate in the persons concerned. A feeling that their private lives are the subject of constant surveillance.’
Then after the first quarter of the year 2015. The German Justice Minister proposed an amended version of new data retention law. To address both concerns of national security and the privacy concerns in data retention policy. These amendments restricted the period of data storage. And required a need for legal permission. To retain the data of a specified citizen under some criminal suspicion. In June this proposal was then approved. And the bill in the parliament was passed. In the favour of metadata retention law in Germany. Bundesrat moved forward this bill to get the presidential approval. During 2016 and send it to the German Constitutional Court. In order to review whether or not the law complies with the fundamental human rights. Ultimately, the data retention started implementing with full force across the nation.
How Is It A Threat To Your Online Privacy?
Even after many hindrances. The government of Germany successfully enacted the data retention law nationwide. That means your freedom of using the Internet. Without the fear of being watched is nowhere in Germany. Your ISP is authorized to snoop through your IP. And preserve your internet data. And other telecommunication data. Like call and message details.
This data accumulation could then pass on. To the law enforcement agencies. In the name of contributing to national security. And reaching to the criminals. However, it is not appreciated by many of the Germans. It is because of the simple ground. That it violates the right of every netizen to be anonymous over the internet. And to protect his or her online privacy. Thus, the aftermath of metadata retention law in Germany can affect your online privacy big time.
Use VPN to Avoid Metadata Retention law In Germany?
Of course, when there is a problem, there is always a solution. The solution requires you to get the VPN subscription. However, be careful to get only reliable and secure VPN Services. Like ExpressVPN (Based in British Virgin Island) )and NordVPN (Panama based VPN service). Consequently, there is no better solution. To bypass the metadata retention law in Germany than using a right VPN.
As the law of data conservation and its implementation. Is getting more and more advanced and stern. This is the high time to make the necessary measures. In order to take your online security in your hand. All you need to do is to opt for a VPN. That can help you circumvent the metadata retention law in Germany.
How Can VPN Combat Metadata retention law in Germany?
Virtual Private Network is a security software. That tends to hide your IP address and route your internet data traffic to an encrypted tunnel. That is connected to a remote server on the other end. This is a high level of military grade encryption. Even makes it impossible for your ISP. To snoop through this tunnel. If your ISP would be unable to see your data traffic. How will it preserve your data and pass it on? This is how VPN works. In order to protect your online privacy. From the government’s watchdogs. ( you might also like our VPN guide for beginners).
Do Not Go For Germany Based VPN
Here one thing is important to tell you. That you should not opt for the VPNs located in Germany. As the Metadata retention law in Germany implies telecommunication and ISPs to retain the data. It could also bind the VPN provider to preserve your data. And pass it through the back door. So it is better not to take the risk. Go for the VPN which is based out in the data retention law free state. (check out best VPN for Germany)
Conclusion-Metadata Retention Law in Germany
Undoubtedly, this practice of metadata retention law in Germany. Is not less than any obnoxious repression. Treating every citizen as a criminal. And retaining their online data by involving ISPs in between. This can never be justified enough to calm down the netizens. But meanwhile, there are nifty ways to protect your online privacy like VPN.
