Thousands Rally in Berlin Against Online Sexual Violence as Germany Moves to Criminalize Deepfakes
Berlin, Germany – On Sunday, March 22, 2026, approximately 6,700 demonstrators gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to protest against online sexual violence and express solidarity with victims, significantly exceeding the initially registered 500 participants. The rally was organized by Feminist Fight Club! and gained prominence following allegations made by German TV presenter Collien Fernandes against her ex-partner, actor Christian Ulmen, involving the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake pornography.
Fernandes’ Allegations Spark National Debate
The demonstration coincided with a growing national conversation sparked by Fernandes’ accusations against Ulmen, first reported by Der Spiegel. Fernandes alleges that Ulmen created and disseminated hundreds of fake pornographic images of her online, utilizing fake social media accounts. Ulmen’s lawyer, Christian Schertz, has announced legal action against the reporting, claiming it contains “largely inadmissible suspicious reporting” and “untrue facts.”
Government Response: Criminalizing Deepfakes
Germany’s governing coalition has agreed to reform cybercrime laws to address gaps in criminal liability, specifically concerning image-based sexual violence, including deepfakes. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig is finalizing a draft bill to criminalize the production and distribution of sexualized deepfakes. Hubig stated the aim is to ensure perpetrators are identified and prosecuted, and that police will be granted greater powers to search suspects’ computers.
The draft law, announced via Instagram by Minister Hubig, similarly proposes allowing authorities to block accounts used in the creation and distribution of deepfakes and to store IP addresses for up to three months.
Demonstrators Demand Action and Support for Victims
Speakers at the rally emphasized the lasting impact of online abuse and the need for greater legal protection for victims. Fernandes, in a statement read at the event, highlighted the widespread nature of digital sexual violence and the current lack of adequate legal safeguards. A dark field study presented at the rally indicated that only around 2% of digital violence is reported.
Climate activist Luisa Neubauer shared her own experiences with online threats and stalking, stating she requires police protection during demonstrations. She also reported receiving reports of sexualized fake images created and circulated online. Activist Theresia Crone highlighted the persistent nature of digital violence, noting that harmful content remains accessible through search engines long after it is initially posted.
EU Backs Ban on AI-Generated Sexual Abuse Material
The move to criminalize deepfakes in Germany aligns with broader European efforts to combat online sexual violence. On March 13, 2026, EU nations backed a ban on AI systems generating sexualised deepfakes or fake content about celebrities without consent.
Calls for Increased Cybercrime Expertise and Support for Victims
Brandenburg’s Interior Minister Jan Redmann emphasized the need for increased cybercrime expertise and technology to effectively enforce laws online. Berlin’s Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe announced a new project to strengthen advice centers and shelters in Berlin, providing them with training and technical assistance to support victims of digital gender-specific violence.
Hamburg’s Justice Senator Anna Gallina emphasized that identifying perpetrators online is possible and worth pursuing, advocating for greater accountability for platforms and providers in deleting harmful content and compensating victims.