BGH: Text messages can justify sexual abuse via chat

The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has clarified that pornographic chats without pictures or videos can also meet the criminal offence of sexual abuse. This means that text messages that constitute sexual assault or abuse are just as punishable as visual content. The decision underlines that the protection of minors and other vulnerable groups plays a central role in digital communication channels. The courts stress that protection against sexual harassment and abuse is not only limited to visual content, but also to textual forms of sexual exploitation. This has far-reaching implications for oversight and security in digital communication channels, particularly social media, chat platforms and corporate communities. The decision also underlines that the responsibility for protecting users also lies with the providers of communications services. The courts call for stronger supervision and better enforcement of legal regulations in the digital space. The significance of the judgment lies not only in the criminality of text messages, but also in the recognition that digital communication is a space where sexual abuse and harassment can take place. The decision also has implications for the development of security measures and privacy policies in digital platforms. It underlines that the safety of users must be guaranteed not only by technical measures, but also by legal frameworks. The importance of the decision also lies in the fact that it emphasises the need for increased awareness and awareness-raising measures in digital communication channels. In this context, it is important that companies and organizations recognize the risks of digital communication and implement appropriate protective measures. The decision of the BGH is a further step towards strengthening the security and protection of users in the digital space.