Austrian authorities are planning to enhance surveillance capabilities, allowing prosecutors and police to monitor encrypted communications of suspects, primarily to combat terrorism. This initiative, proposed by Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, is supported by public prosecutors and the federal criminal police, following a school shooting in Graz that claimed ten lives. The proposal includes a "federal trojan" software tool for monitoring social media and messaging platforms. However, it has faced opposition from NGOs and political parties, particularly regarding the expansion of surveillance beyond terrorism to include ordinary crimes. Justice Minister Anna Sporrer stated there are no immediate plans for such an expansion, but future discussions may occur after a trial phase. Opposition figures have criticized the proposal as a significant shift in surveillance policy.