The Information and Security Service (SIS) is requesting an expansion of its powers to allow the agency to monitor citizens without a judge’s warrant. The topic was discussed today in Parliament in the context of debates on a bill aimed at combating electoral corruption and foreign influence, IPN reports.
"In the case of a simple investigation, the police can conduct rapid visual surveillance with the authorization of a superior. However, when SIS conducts investigations, the entire bureaucratic procedure becomes necessary," stated an SIS representative.
The proposed changes have been criticized by opposition lawmakers, who argue that granting SIS more authority could lead to systemic abuses. However, the agency claims that these changes will enable a faster response to potential foreign interference in elections and help combat electoral corruption.
PAS deputy Olesea Stamate asked SIS representatives during public consultations why additional surveillance powers were needed, to which the response was: "The bureaucratic procedure is lengthy".
"If we look at the visual surveillance of an individual’s activities, authorization is mostly granted sporadically. Information may emerge within minutes that individuals are about to meet and need to be monitored. In our case, an internal procedure must be followed: the investigative officer drafts a report, the report is coordinated with the unit head, then undergoes internal legal review, is sent to leadership, the documents are physically processed, and they must ultimately reach the judges," explained the SIS representative.
Today, public consultations are being held on the draft law aimed at effectively combating electoral corruption and its related aspects, organized by the Legal, Appointments, and Immunities Commission.
