The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, expresses deep concern over a proposed amendment to Germany's telecommunications law that contains serious threats to press freedom.

According to information before IPI, the German Bundestag on 9 November will discuss a bill, introduced by Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries, requiring telecommunications providers to retain all customer communication data for a period of six months. If approved, starting on 1 January 2008, law enforcement bodies could gain access to these stored communications, which cover telephone calls, text messages, e-mails or faxes, in the course of their criminal investigations.