Germany’s highest court ruled that authorities may use computer spyware to secretly collect data from personal computers, but only under strict conditions. Basic rights aren’t disposable, says DW’s Daphne Antachopoulos.

In line with an earlier ruling on censuses, the judges found that the modern digital world requires a new right, but not one which is absolute – exceptions can be made if there is just cause.

The ruling, which concerned a law in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a compromise between those who say secret online searches are a vital tool to combat terrorism and critics who argue they infringe on civil liberties.

Last year, three suspected terrorists were arrested, accused of planning bomb attacks in Germany. It is alleged that American intelligence agencies spied on their computers because German security did not have the right.