People on social media are making false reports, and even politicians are making false reports.

And that's not uncommon, but are these statements punishable? It is one of the central questions that we are asked again and again at our lectures and workshops at Mimikama. Why are false reports not punishable?

Basically, everyone can lie with impunity. So I can stand on the street and claim that three or four children have already died because they wore a mask. This is not primarily a criminal offense.

But that is also the problem that often arises on social media, because many people make claims of this kind that are simply not true at all. But there is a limit.

[mk_ad]

There is actually a limit as to when lies or false reports are punishable. You can find a more detailed explanation of this juraforum.de There is an article here called “What is Fake News? Are false reports punishable? – Definition, legal situation and current measures”, which dealt exactly with when false reports become punishable.

But here, too, the central statement is that there is currently no law in Germany (which of course also applies to Austria) that criminalizes the general spreading of fake news. However, other criminal offenses can also be fulfilled, such as slander, slander, insult or even sedition.

And now?

According to juraforum.de, there is a gap in the law that can alternatively be partially filled with existing laws. However, despite all efforts, it is currently not easy to create a transparent law that puts a stop to false reports and is also consistent with freedom of opinion and speech.

[mk_ad]

And if such a law ever comes into being, there will still be the problem of traceability, as it can always be difficult to find the authors of hoaxes and fake news.

Recommended reading: What is fake news? Are false reports punishable? – Definition, legal situation and current measures. Juraforum.de

That could also be of interest

... because they don't know what they're doing. The story about reactions to a newborn wearing a mask. May they be forgiven. The topic of masks is on everyone's lips, and sorry, on everyone's faces. More about this HERE .

False reports, article image from stockwerk-fotodesign / Shutterstock.com

Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )