The designation expands the state intelligence service’s legal basis to use enhanced surveillance and investigative tools against the party organization and associated networks in Lower Saxony. It raises compliance and reputational risk for public institutions, contractors, and civil-society partners engaging with AfD-linked officials or events in the state. The move also increases the likelihood of further administrative and legal actions (e.g., employment/clearance scrutiny for members in sensitive roles) ahead of the 2027 Lower Saxony election cycle.