Hungary unveiled Thursday a draft package of anti-terror measures in response to the Brussels attacks that would make phone and Internet surveillance easier and allow bank accounts to be tracked in real time.
“The events in Paris and Brussels have settled the debate, the terrorism threat has grown,” Interior Minister Sandor Pinter told a press conference in parliament.
At present, an individual’s Internet and phone use can only be accessed following a court order, and the telecoms provider can still refuse.
Under the proposed new measures, which the government in the EU member state wants to go before parliament in April, a court order will still be necessary, but the provider will no longer be able to deny access.
Mobile phone traffic could also be limited in the event of an attack so that only text messages could be sent in order to free up networks for emergency services.
Authorities will also have the right to monitor in real-time bank accounts of individuals and organisations linked to extremism.