New task for intelligence services
The intelligence and security services AIVD and MIVD are to be given a new task. It results from the new system of monitoring and security, in which central government has a special responsibility based on the national interest for ensuring the safety of specific groups of persons, objects and services.
The new task relates among others to members of the Royal Household, government ministers, parliamentary party leaders and senior party candidates, as well as ambassadors and embassies and certain international civil and military organisations. The General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) are to investigate the threats to which these individuals and organisations are exposed. The AIVD will clarify the risks as well as the potential threat, which means that in addition to the threat the existing security level will also be assessed.
This is stated in a bill to amend the Intelligence and Security Services Act to which the Cabinet has given its consent at the proposal of the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Johan Remkes
In order to be able to carry out their new task properly, the investigative powers of the services will be expanded. In addition to actual threats they will now be allowed to investigate potential threats as well. Those investigations will focus not only on the individual, object or service in question, but also on the party posing a threat. No special powers may be used during these investigations, such as wiretapping, placing under surveillance or house searches.
The Cabinet has consented to the bill being sent to the Council of State for recommendations. The text of the bill and the recommendations of the Council of State will only be made public after submission to the Lower House.