The German government is taking decisive action to address digital sexual violence by proposing legislation that would criminalize the creation and distribution of pornographic deepfakes. This move comes in response to a high-profile case involving television personality Collien Fernandes, who has accused her former husband, actor Christian Ulmen, of circulating sexually explicit manipulated images of her online.
The case has ignited a national conversation about digital violence protections, with over 250 prominent German women from politics, business, and culture demanding stronger legal safeguards. Their proposals include enshrining the “yes means yes” principle in German law and creating specific offenses for femicide in the penal code.
Fernandes has pursued legal action in Spain, citing stronger women’s rights protections there compared to Germany. “Germany is an absolute haven for perpetrators,” she stated in an interview with ARD public broadcaster, highlighting significant gaps in German legislation regarding online abuse and domestic violence.
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig announced plans for draft legislation that would not only criminalize deepfake pornography but also streamline legal processes for victims seeking justice. “This is a debate that affects society as a whole, not just women,” Hubig emphasized. “Men must also be part of the discussion.”
The case has revealed alarming statistics about digital violence in Germany. According to a Federal Criminal Police Office study, one in five women and one in seven men have experienced digital violence in the past five years, with particularly high rates among teenagers. Shockingly, only 2.4% of these cases are reported to police.
Public response has been substantial, with thousands participating in a Berlin demonstration against digital sexual violence. Fernandes, while not present physically, had a statement read at the Brandenburg Gate calling for the dismantling of “walls of silence” surrounding such crimes.
Technology experts note the concerning accessibility of deepfake creation tools. Josephine Ballon of Hate Aid, a nonprofit supporting digital violence victims, explained: “We have AI image generators everywhere, nudification apps available for free in app stores and browsers. Criminalizing this behavior would allow us to declare these apps illegal since they offer illegal services.”
The proposed legislation represents Germany’s commitment to establishing societal values and human decency in the digital realm, signaling a significant shift in how the country addresses technologically-facilitated sexual violence.