German politicians want tougher punishments for digital violence
The idea is to make it easier to prosecute platforms and perpetrators of virtual sexual violence alike. Thousands show their solidarity with victims at a demonstration in Berlin.
Berlin (dpa) - In the debate on online sexualised violence, numerous politicians in Germany have called for tougher laws and measures against perpetrators and internet platforms. Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig announced that a law aimed at improving protection against digital violence would soon be presented.
On Sunday, several thousand people took part in a demonstration in Berlin entitled “Against sexualised digital violence - solidarity with all victims”. The current debate was sparked by the serious accusations made by actor and presenter Collien Fernandes against her ex-partner.
In its coalition treaty, the Federal Government had agreed to reform cyber criminal law and close criminal liability loopholes - for example when it comes to image-based sexualised violence and deepfakes.
A draft law is to be presented this spring. The plan is to make it a crime to produce and disseminate pornographic deepfakes.
