After the Snowden disclosures it is important to gain more knowledge about the use of Big Data by intelligence services. Intelligence services define what is regarded as threat and who has to be protected against what kind of threat. This makes the analysis of intelligence practices an important starting point for research. Existing research shows that the use of big data by intelligence services has severe consequences: First, it affects the routines and standards of the security authorities and alters the process of knowledge production. Second, it increases the gap between “watchers and watched” and intensifies the tension between fundamental rights of citizens in Democracies and the claim of the state to be responsible for citizens’ security. Against this background this project seeks to focus on two research questions: How do Big Data practices transform routines of intelligence work? What effects can be observed for the citizens and the national regulatory setting? To answer these questions, the project draws on expert statements and findings included in the final report (released in summer 2017) of the so called NSA-commission that was established by the German parliament to review German intelligence practices against the backdrop of the Snowden disclosures.
