The German government is preparing a new law to criminalize the creation and distribution of pornographic deepfakes, as Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig announced on Friday, accelerating efforts to tackle digital violence against women. The initiative follows a complaint by actress Collien Fernandes, who has filed a case alleging identity theft and sexualized digital abuse against her former husband.
Ministry spokesman Eike Hosemann stated that a draft law is "practically finished" and will be presented "very soon," aiming to close gaps in current legislation. He noted that Germany is "lagging behind technological developments in this area," with the goal of making the production and distribution of such deepfakes a criminal offense.
Hubig emphasized that the legislation would grant police more powers to search suspects' devices. "We want to ensure that perpetrators can no longer feel safe, that they must expect to be identified and effectively prosecuted," she told a German broadcaster. The draft also includes civil measures to facilitate victims' actions against platforms, such as rights to obtain information on perpetrators and enforce account suspensions.
Officials acknowledge that enforcement remains complex due to international networks and rapidly evolving technologies. Politicians across parties have backed stronger protections, while advocacy groups warn that Germany's legal system is not yet equipped to handle this form of violence. The UN General Assembly President and former German Foreign Minister reportedly stated that Germany has fallen behind other countries regarding online abuse.
Fernandes and her ex-husband, Christian Ulmen, were prominent TV personalities in Germany. They lived together on the Spanish island of Mallorca until separating in 2025. Fernandes discovered hundreds of fake pornographic images of her online, as well as social media accounts impersonating her. She began to suspect her then-husband of being behind the online abuse, as widely reported in German media. The German Women's Council argued that the Fernandes case highlights an urgent need for reform, criticizing the legal system's unpreparedness.
Source: www.dw.com