Kolja Barghoorn wrote that he had reviewed the 102-page bill from the federal government on the "Law Against Digital Violence." In his assessment, the draft could enable courts to order the disclosure of names, addresses, phone numbers, and IP data for certain punishable statements without prior criminal conviction. According to Barghoorn, in the case of a serious violation of personal rights and an existing risk of repetition, an entire account could be temporarily suspended. Platforms should also prevent suspended users from opening new accounts; phone numbers and email addresses could be used for recognition. The draft also includes larger closed messenger groups without specifying a specific minimum number of members. According to Barghoorn, user data could already be secured legally before a final decision on their disclosure is made and transmitted to law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the refusal to provide a demanded penalty-bearing cease-and-desist declaration could also serve as an indicator for a possible account suspension. He acknowledged that the draft includes judicial reservations and further prerequisites. At the same time, he asked what could happen if the instruments were specifically used against uncomfortable critics to lift their anonymity and limit their reach. A democracy must also be able to withstand sharp, uncomfortable, and anonymous criticism, he wrote. #Digitalrechte #Meinungsfreiheit #Datenschutz (translated)
