German cabinet approves new measures against digital violence

The German federal cabinet has approved a legislative proposal aimed at increasing protection against digital violence, targeting acts such as sexualized deepfake videos and covert recordings in private settings. This new initiative, spearheaded by Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig, seeks to introduce several legal provisions designed to curb instances of digital violence, which are described as being akin to a rampant blaze in severity and spread.

The proposal includes measures to combat various forms of digital misconduct, including the creation and distribution of explicit content without consent, such as secretly recorded intimate images in saunas or other private spaces. Additionally, it aims to make the unauthorized recording of intimate body parts, even if clothed, punishable if these images are portrayed in a sexualized manner.

Beyond these measures, the draft legislation also seeks to address other digital offenses such as identity misuse through fake profiles and cyberstalking, particularly those involving the use of satellite-based trackers. Victims will be empowered to seek judicial recourse more easily, including the ability to request account suspensions from social media platforms.

Hubig highlighted the gravity of digital violence, noting its potentially devastating impact comparable to physical violence. The legislative effort aims to eliminate legal loopholes that currently allow perpetrators in the digital realm to evade consequences. “Digital violence is like a wildfire,” Hubig remarked, emphasizing the widespread circulation of sexualized content and videos of sexual violence online. She warned that such distribution must not be tolerated by society.

A significant aspect of the proposed law is its particular focus on addressing the disproportionate impact of these offences on women, framing the issue also as a question of gender equality. This focus has garnered the support of over 250 prominent women, who back a ten-point plan set to accompany the new regulations.

One specific provision aims to clamp down on the reputational harm caused by communication under fake profiles. This aspect of the law may reflect the personal experiences shared by public figures, such as actress and presenter Collien Fernandes, who have faced such issues.

The Bundestag is now tasked with deliberating the draft bill. If passed into law, these changes would formally criminalize communications designed to harm reputations under the guise of fictitious identities mimicking real people.

Source: tagesschau.de