How Danes je nov dan helped stop dangerous spyware in Slovenia

The rise of the surveillance state via emergency procedure

In late 2025, the Slovenian government approved controversial amendments to the Slovene Intelligence and Security Agency (SOVA) Act. In a move that bypassed standard democratic procedures, the governing coalition attempted to push these changes through parliament via an emergency procedure. The proposal sought to introduce two highly invasive technologies that would have significantly expanded the agency’s surveillance powers.

The first technology the bill introduced was the deployment of “technical means for monitoring mobile signals”, commonly known as IMSI catchers. These devices mimic mobile towers to trick phones into connecting to them, allowing for the mass and indiscriminate identification of all mobile users in a specific location. The second, even more alarming addition, sought to legalise spyware, intrusive software designed to infiltrate personal devices, granting intelligence agencies complete access to and control over an electronic device.

Authorities justified these measures on the grounds of “national security concerns”. However, by rushing the law through parliament, the government prevented a necessary public debate about the proportionality of these measures. The proposal lacked essential safeguards, effectively laying the groundwork for a surveillance state where citizens could be monitored without their knowledge or adequate safeguards.

Why the proposal threatened fundamental rights

Danes je nov dan identified the amendments as a violation of constitutional rights as these tools cause unrestricted invasions of privacy, abuse of personal data, loss of dignity, threats to safety, and freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. One of the primary concerns was the indiscriminate nature of the proposed tools. The harm caused is uncontrollable and often affects not only the alleged target, but also everyone who is in the vicinity of an IMSI catcher or infected device, or who interacts with such devices. Therefore, the organisation warned that damage caused by such equipment cannot be contained, meaning that rights would be violated for a wide circle of people, including children, family members, colleagues, and anyone who happened to be near a target, as such becoming collateral damage of this type of surveillance.

Furthermore, the legalisation of spyware poses a direct threat to democratic society. International practice has shown that such tools are often abused for state repression against journalists, activists, and the political opposition. Spyware frequently becomes a weapon for intimidation and control, silencing critical voices and having a chilling effect on the freedom of expression.

Additionally, there were serious legal concerns regarding the validity of the law. As Danes je nov dan pointed out, the Constitutional Court had already annulled similar legislation regarding police use of IMSI catchers in 2023, establishing a clear legal precedent against such invasive surveillance. By ignoring this ruling, the government was attempting to legalise unconstitutional practices, creating a system where collateral damage was disregarded.

Is SOVA eavesdropping on me?

To counter the government’s narrative and halt the adoption of the law, Danes je nov dan launched a campaign titled “Ali mi SOVA prisluškuje?” (Is SOVA eavesdropping on me?). At the heart of the campaign was a satirical online tool designed to educate the public about the dangers of unchecked surveillance. By using humour and an interactive format, the campaign successfully translated complex technical threats into tangible concerns that resonated with everyday citizens. The campaign page also served as a bridge between them and decision-makers as it allowed anyone to send an email to Members of Parliament (MPs) with a single click, flooding their inboxes with demands to protect privacy and stop the expansion of the surveillance state.

Complementing the public part of the campaign, the organisation sent their own appeal to lawmakers, urging them to reject the proposal. In this appeal, they presented legal arguments while also citing specific dangers the legislation posed to society. They warned MPs that spyware is not a tool for security, but a tool for intimidation and control, citing international examples where such technology was used for repression. Danes je nov dan made it clear that respect for democratic values cannot exist while such invasive technologies are in use.

A victory for privacy, but the threat remains

The combination of public outcry, citizen-led pressure, and direct advocacy proved effective. Following the campaign, the legislative procedure was halted, preventing the rapid adoption of these dangerous tools. This victory demonstrates that organised civil society remains a crucial check on state power, capable of mobilising against threats even when they are framed as national security necessities.

However, Danes je nov dan warns that the fight is not over. While the immediate threat has been stopped, the desire for expanded surveillance powers often persists within government structures. The organisation will continue to monitor legislative developments to ensure that invasive surveillance technologies are never normalised in Slovenia and that the privacy of citizens remains protected.

Contribution by: EDRi affiliate, Danes je nov dan