Germany's Approach Against Criminal Content On Social Networks Faces Resistance By Stakeholders

On 5 April 2017, the German Federal Minister of Justice's new bill aimed at improving enforcement of rights in social networks (Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Verbesserung der Rechtsdurchsetzung in sozialen Netzwerken; Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz – NetzDG, the Bill; see our previous blog) has, in a slightly revised version, been adopted by the Federal Cabinet (Bundeskabinett) and is now ready for discussion by the German Parliament.

As we reported earlier, a number of concerns surrounding the Bill were raised after its announcement. Now, as an immediate response to the Federal Cabinet's adoption of the Bill, a number of stakeholders – including industry associations, net activists, lawyers and journalists – have formed an alliance to oppose the Bill. The alliance has issued a joint 'Declaration on Freedom of Expression' (Declaration), which is available in the English language here.