Federal Cabinet Passes Law Against Digital Violence

The Federal Cabinet passed a law on October 9, 2026, aimed at better protecting victims of digital violence. The draft includes several new criminal provisions that specifically address sexualized deepfakes and forms of voyeurism. The goal is to improve the legal framework and provide victims of digital violence with more options for action. A central element of the new law is the introduction of specific criminal offenses for the creation and distribution of sexualized deepfakes.

This form of digital violence has significantly increased in recent years and often affects women. The new regulations aim to ensure that perpetrators can be held accountable for such actions. Furthermore, the law will also regulate voyeurism more strictly. In the future, it will be a criminal offense to secretly take intimate recordings of individuals or to distribute them without their consent. These measures are intended to help protect the right to privacy in the digital space.

Another important aspect of the law is the strengthening of victims' rights. Affected individuals will be able to initiate legal action more easily against the distribution of harmful content. This will also create the possibility for courts to make quicker decisions to stop the dissemination of such content. The federal government has emphasized that the law also includes preventive measures. Awareness campaigns will be launched to raise awareness of digital violence and inform potential perpetrators about the legal consequences of their actions.

These campaigns will target both the general public and specific groups that are particularly at risk. The passage of the law occurs against the backdrop of an increasing societal debate about the dangers of digital violence. According to a survey by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, 23% of respondents reported having experienced digital violence. These figures highlight the need for action in this area. The law will now be submitted to the Bundestag for further discussion.

The federal government plans to implement the new regulations by the end of 2026, ensuring quick legal protection for victims. Experts welcome the initiative but call for comprehensive implementation and the provision of resources for law enforcement agencies. Effectively combating digital violence requires not only new laws but also appropriate training for the police and judiciary. A spokesperson for the Federal Criminal Police Office stated that the agency is already working on training programs.

The discussion about digital violence and its combat is also taking place at the European level. The EU plans to enact similar regulations to create a uniform legal framework. This could help to more effectively pursue cross-border cases of digital violence. The passage of the law is a step in the right direction to strengthen the rights of victims of digital violence. The federal government has announced that it will regularly evaluate the impact of the law and make adjustments as necessary.

The draft law is seen as part of a broader strategy to combat violence against women and promote gender equality. The new regulations are also to be included in school curricula to raise awareness of the issue among young people. Educational institutions are encouraged to develop programs that address the risks and legal consequences of digital violence. The federal government aims to significantly reduce the number of cases of digital violence, with a specific goal of reducing the number of recorded offenses in this area by 50% by 2028.