Berlin to end online spy service for US

Germany has halted its internet surveillance for the US’s National Security Agency (NSA) in response to a row over the BND intelligence agency’s co-operation with Washington.

Allegations that the BND has helped the NSA spy on European officials and firms has put strains on Angela Merkel’s governing coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) and could damage US relations and even the conservative chancellor’s own popularity.

An INSA poll this week showed that 62% of Germans think the BND row threatens Merkel’s credibility. Ultimate responsibility for the BND lies with her office.