Germany moves to criminalize deepfake porn as schools face rising digital violence
BERLIN – The Berlin branch of the Verband Bildung und Erziehung (VBE), Germany's education and training union, is demanding stronger action from policymakers and law enforcement in response to rising cases of digital violence—particularly the spread of deepfake pornography, which the union warns is becoming an increasing problem in schools.
"Deepfake pornography is a serious crime with lifelong devastating consequences for victims," the VBE Berlin state association emphasized, noting that teachers, university students, and schoolgirls are increasingly among those affected.
The union has learned of specific cases but believes they represent "only the tip of the iceberg." Perpetrators, according to the VBE, include classmates, fellow students, colleagues, and even parents. At the same time, the organization criticizes the lack of effective measures to prosecute such offenses, especially in educational settings.
In light of this, the VBE is calling for deepfake pornography to be classified as a criminal offense carrying a minimum sentence of "no less than three years' imprisonment." Additionally, the union argues that platforms profiting from the distribution of such content should face substantial damages claims.
The VBE rejects blanket bans on smartphones or social media as ineffective solutions. Instead, it advocates for "comprehensive media literacy and prevention programs in schools." The union highlights recent cuts to critical resources, such as school psychological and inclusion counseling services (SIBUZ), which have weakened support in this area.
The current debate on digital violence follows serious allegations by TV host and actress Collien Fernandes against her ex-partner, actor Christian Ulmen, first reported by Der Spiegel. Ulmen's lawyer has announced legal action, dismissing the coverage as "largely impermissible reporting based on suspicion" and accusing the media of spreading "untrue claims due to a one-sided account."
In response to the case, the German government is accelerating legislative efforts. Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) plans to submit a draft law against digital violence for interministerial review this week. The proposal aims to close legal loopholes, particularly concerning image-based sexual violence.
According to Handelsblatt, which claims to have obtained an advance copy of the draft's criminal provisions, the legislation would introduce a new central offense: "violation of intimate privacy through images." Under the proposed law, not only the distribution but also the creation of sexualized deepfakes would become punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine. The measures would cover depictions of sexual acts, images of unclothed body parts, and digitally altered content designed to appear as such—addressing what criminologists term image-based sexual abuse or image-based sexual harassment.
