(de-news.net) – The German Justice Ministry is advancing legislation to combat digital violence, with a focus on sexualized deepfakes, cyberstalking, and online voyeurism, by criminalizing the creation of harmful AI-generated sexual content, expanding protections against unauthorized intimate recordings, and strengthening rules on digital tracking and harassment. Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) highlighted the need for stronger legal tools to address increasingly accessible technologies that enable online abuse. The bill is currently entering consultation and is expected to undergo further refinement.
Hubig stated that a planned law to combat cyberviolence should be passed as soon as possible, with the intention of doing so by the end of the year. Although she welcomed the increased attention to online abuse and violence against women, she stressed that the draft, which has been under preparation since the start of the legislative term, has not been accelerated by recent public debate, including allegations in the Collin Fernandes case. Hubig believes that public examination of digital harm is both essential and long overdue.
Tougher rules on deepfakes and tech-enabled surveillance abuse
The outlawing of sexualized deepfakes, including their production, is a central component of the proposal. While pointing out that AI capabilities now make it possible for such content to be produced in a matter of seconds, the minister contended that such content can humiliate and seriously injure victims, with ramifications for both health and social well-being. Based on this, she said that the production of such material cannot go unpunished and that the law must guarantee strong enforcement. She also emphasized that investigative criteria like initial suspicion requirements would not be reduced and that constitutional protections would not be compromised.
Cyberstalking and voyeuristic recordings are also covered in the draft. Unauthorized intimate photos, even those shot in public areas, would be subject to criminal punishment, as would the improper use of recordings of people in clothing for sexual reasons. Additionally, the stalking law would be amended to encompass tracking through digital devices, filling a legal loophole whereby the installation of a tracker might allow for ongoing surveillance. When such monitoring is likely to result in significant injury, it would become illegal.
On Friday, the bill is expected to begin consultation with Federal States and associations. During the parliamentary process, more adjustments may be made. Hubig highlighted features meant to help victims better defend themselves against ongoing online abuse while expressing confidence that the proposal’s fundamental framework and widespread political support would be preserved.
Audio: TTSFree
