What legal requirements apply to the obligation to provide an imprint on my website?
March 4, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Edith Fischer
Dear Media Law Attorney,
I operate a website where I publish various content. I have heard that there are legal requirements regarding the imprint obligation and I am unsure if I am compliant with them.
Regarding the current situation: My website is mainly used for information and exchanging experiences in a specific area. I regularly publish posts and want to ensure that I meet all legal requirements.
My current status: So far, I have only provided basic information about myself on my website, such as my name and email address. However, I am unsure if this information is sufficient to meet the legal requirements for an imprint.
My concerns: I am worried that I may be violating the law if my imprint does not meet the legal requirements. I would like to know what specific information I need to include in my imprint and if there are any special regulations I should be aware of.
My question: What legal requirements apply to the imprint obligation on my website and what specific information do I need to include to meet the legal requirements? Are there any special regulations or considerations I should be aware of?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Dietrich Born
Dear Mr. Born,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the imprint obligation on your website. It is understandable that you are concerned and want to ensure that you meet all legal requirements. I would be happy to assist you and provide you with the necessary information.
In Germany, the imprint obligation applies according to § 5 Telemedia Act (TMG) and § 55 Interstate Broadcasting Treaty (RStV). These regulations apply to all commercial online offers, regardless of whether it is a private or commercial website. The imprint must be easily recognizable, directly accessible, and constantly available.
The specific information that must be included in an imprint is essentially:
1. Name and address of the provider (for natural persons also the residential address)
2. Contact details such as email address and telephone number
3. For legal entities or registered associations, additionally the legal form, authorized representatives, and registration number
4. Value-added tax identification number (if available)
5. For registered trade businesses, the Chamber of Crafts
6. For liberal professions, the professional title and the chamber to which they belong
It is important that all information is complete, correct, and up-to-date. Violations of the imprint obligation can result in fines and warnings. Therefore, it is advisable to take these regulations seriously and to have a correct imprint on your website.
Regarding your specific concern that your current information may not be sufficient, I recommend adjusting your imprint accordingly and adding the missing information. It is better to be on the safe side and meet all legal requirements.
In addition to the mandatory information mentioned, I also recommend having a privacy policy on your website informing about the use of personal data. This is also legally required and important for data protection.
I hope that I was able to help you with this information. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Edith Fischer, lawyer specializing in media law
