New Bill Against Digital Violence Introduced

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig introduced a new bill on April 18, 2026, aimed at combating digital violence. A central element of the proposal is the criminalization of the production of sexualized deepfakes. This measure is intended to protect women and minors from the negative impacts of such technologies. The bill stipulates that the creation and distribution of deepfake content made without the consent of the depicted individuals can be prosecuted.

Hubig emphasized that legal frameworks must be adapted to developments in the digital world to adequately support victims of digital violence. The minister stated that the dissemination of deepfakes not only constitutes an invasion of privacy but also has the potential to significantly harm the lives of those affected. "The production of deepfakes will not go unpunished," Hubig said. The bill aims to hold perpetrators accountable and protect victims. Another aspect of the proposal is the introduction of training programs for police and judiciary to improve the detection and prosecution of digital crimes.

Hubig pointed out that the training is necessary to prepare professionals for the challenges of digital crime. The minister announced that the bill is set to be discussed in the Bundestag in the coming weeks, with the goal of passing the legislation within this year. This aims to create a legal framework that provides victims of digital violence with quicker and more effective assistance. The discussion around the regulation of deepfakes is not new.

In recent years, there have been repeated calls for legal regulation. Experts warn that without clear laws, the dissemination of such content could continue unchecked. The new bill could be seen as an important step in the right direction. Reactions to the proposal are mixed. While many women's rights organizations welcome the move, some critics express concerns regarding implementation and potential restrictions on freedom of expression.

However, Hubig stressed that the protection of personal rights takes precedence and that the regulations will be carefully crafted. The minister announced that the public will also be involved in the legislative process. Public hearings are planned, where affected individuals and experts can voice their opinions. This is intended to ensure that the regulations meet the needs of society. The federal government has increasingly addressed the issue of digital violence in recent years.

The new bill is part of a broader strategy to combat cybercrime. According to a study by the Federal Criminal Police Office, cases of digital violence have increased by 30% in recent years. Hubig concluded her presentation by noting that protecting citizens in the digital space is a societal responsibility. "We must work together to ensure that digital violence has no place in our society," she said.