Berlin, March 16 – The Berlin Interior Administration acknowledges the realistic risk of disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks impacting the upcoming state parliamentary election. “Cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns are now an integral part of the operational repertoire of foreign intelligence services,” the administration stated in response to an inquiry.
The Interior Administration and security authorities are closely monitoring the situation and implementing corresponding measures to ward off cyberattacks, manipulations, and disinformation campaigns. This follows earlier reports on the issue by the “Tagesspiegel” newspaper.
Interior Senator Reassures Public on Electoral Security
Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) told the German Press Agency, “We are taking all organizational and technical precautions to ensure that the election can be carried out smoothly and securely.” She added, “And we will not allow enemies of democracy to endanger our elections.”
The Interior Administration highlighted the five state parliamentary elections scheduled for this year, which are also seen as a barometer for federal politics. “In this respect, foreign powers and intelligence services could have an increased interest in influencing the election process – including in Berlin – through disinformation and influence campaigns.”
No Concrete Evidence of Targeted Attacks Yet
Currently, the Interior Administration has no concrete evidence of targeted cyberattacks. Since voting in the state parliamentary election on September 20 will be conducted offline, direct manipulation through this channel is considered rather unlikely.
Potential for Cyberattacks on Technical Infrastructure
However, the Interior Administration noted, “Cyberattacks targeting the technical election infrastructure would be conceivable.” Such attacks could aim to overload this infrastructure, for example, with so-called DDoS attacks, to delay the publication of election results and thus call the integrity of the elections into question.
Generally, “hybrid threats are part of the long-term strategies of these actors and continue to pose a high potential for danger.” Disinformation campaigns via social media, manipulated websites, or fake accounts are also considered possible instruments for influence.
High Threat Level from Hybrid Threats
In response to a parliamentary inquiry from SPD Member of Parliament Sebastian Schlüsselburg, the Interior Administration assessed the threat potential from hybrid threats, such as state-controlled disinformation campaigns, as “continuously high.” In addition to Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey were named as main actors in intelligence activities in Berlin.
The city of Berlin is committed to safeguarding its democratic processes against external interference, ensuring that the voice of its citizens is accurately and securely reflected in the election results. Further updates on security measures and any potential threats will be communicated as the election date approaches.
Source: https://www.zeit.de/news/2026-03/16/berlin-wappnet-sich-gegen-cyberattacken-bei-der-wahl
