Last updated: 18.10.2023, 01:20 a.m.
By: Jessica Jung
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The distribution of certain content on Whatsapp is prohibited in Germany.
Germany – Whatsapp is one of the most popular communication services in the world. In 2017, the app got an upgrade and with it the status function. Consumers can share everything with their contacts there. However, some content should not appear in the status under any circumstances, because by publishing it, users make themselves liable to prosecution, as RUHR24* reports.
| Messenger service | |
| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Developer | Whatsapp Inc. / Meta Platforms |
Beware of Whatsapp status: what purpose the upgrade has for users
Whatsapp was developed for fast communication – and is very successful with it. According to messengerpeople, 58 million Germans use the app every day.
Most of them keep relatives and acquaintances up to date via the communication service. If you want to reach not just one, but all contacts, post something in the so-called status every now and then.
Beware of Whatsapp status: What content users prefer not to share with acquaintances
Photos or videos with a caption on a wide variety of topics usually end up there. These are then visible for 24 hours before they are automatically deleted. However, users should be careful, because posting certain content can result in legal consequences. At the same time, the manufacturers have already provided more security when using the app*.
Content that should not be posted includes both hateful and obscene material. Users who share pictures, statements or videos with their contacts in status should therefore think carefully about whether the content is appropriate or not.
Otherwise, they will end up in a similar situation to a family man in 2019, who, according to Merkur.de, had to go to court because of his Whatsapp status.
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Beware of Whatsapp status: Posting false content leads to court hearing
He posted a video excerpt from the time of National Socialism. According to information, the excerpt was 80 seconds long, and is said to have shown a picture of the fascist tyrant next to the Nazi symbols. At the same time, a text with the inscription "I fought against Jewish tyranny" is said to have been displayed.
The digital content could be accessed by all contacts for 24 hours. In court, the man is said to have testified afterwards that he was not a right-wing extremist, and therefore did not identify with the clip. He is said to have found the video ridiculous and wondered who was putting so much time and money into the video.
Whatsapp users should think carefully about what they post in their status. © Imago
However, the court is said not to have taken such a relaxed view of the facts. This is of the opinion that the man wanted to use his status to provide right-wing agitation. Therefore, there were legal consequences for the status on Whatsapp (more digital news at RUHR24).
Be careful with Whatsapp status: There is a risk of legal consequences for incorrect content
Due to incitement to hatred and the use of prohibited symbols, the defendant was sentenced to a fine. Since he had admitted his guilt and the crime had taken place two years ago, the court is said to have imposed 75 daily fines of 10 euros each.
According to Stern.de, however, this was still a lenient sentence. Theoretically, a prison sentence of up to three years could have been imposed for the offence of incitement to hatred. That's why the police are said to have warned against spreading prohibited content. This is because these materials are also punishable in chats*.
In Whatsapp groups of young people, obscene pictures and videos in which children can be seen are to be shared more and more often. The sharing of such content is now to be punished much more harshly than it was a few years ago, because now sending such material is considered a crime. *RUHR24 is part of IPPEN's editorial network. MEDIA.