The German federal government has adopted a new law aimed at combating digital violence. The Federal Ministry of Justice announced on Wednesday that this legislation is intended to evolve criminal law and fill existing gaps concerning digital abuse.
The law specifically addresses image-based sexual violence, including the unauthorized creation or dissemination of sexual deepfakes and digital voyeurism. Furthermore, the possession, creation, and distribution of rape videos will now be criminal offenses.
The draft bill also introduces new criminal provisions for the circulation of appearance-damaging deepfakes, identity theft, and digital surveillance using GPS trackers. To help victims take action against perpetrators, online platforms and messaging services will be held to stricter standards. A new disclosure procedure is being established to assist in identifying offenders.
Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) explained that digital violence is akin to a “wildfire” and disproportionately affects women. She asserted that the new law represents a “crucial and necessary shift in thinking,” emphasizing that all forms of violence must be forcefully prosecuted.
