Inform those around you: Let your friends and family know so they don't unwittingly pass on information to the stalker.
Protect your location data: Turn off the GPS feature for your social media apps and avoid posting your live location.
Legal action:
- File a police report: Cyberstalking is a criminal offense classified as "harassment" (Section 238 of the German Criminal Code). Filing a report is the most important step toward putting an end to the stalking. Bring all the evidence you have gathered with you to the police.
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You can obtain a temporary restraining order from a court that prohibits the perpetrator from contacting you or approaching you. This also applies to digital communication.
Apply for a protection order:
2. Image-based violence (e.g., "revenge porn")
The unauthorized creation, sharing, or threat of distribution of intimate images.
Countermeasures:
Report the content immediately to the operators of the websites or social media platforms and request that it be removed. Use the designated "Report" buttons to do so.
- Use the "StopNCII.org" tool: This tool helps proactively prevent the distribution of intimate images. You can use it to generate a digital fingerprint (hash) of your images. Participating platforms will then automatically block the upload of these images without you having to hand over the originals.
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Legal action:
- Reporting a crime to the police: Creating and distributing such recordings without consent is a criminal offense (Section 201a of the German Criminal Code (StGB), Section 184g of the German Criminal Code (StGB), Sections 22 and 33 of the German Artistic Copyright Act (KUG)).
- Legal assistance: A lawyer can help you enforce claims for injunctive relief and damages and expedite the removal of the content.
3. Deepfakes
Realistic-looking fake images, videos, or audio recordings designed to portray you in a false light.
Countermeasures:
- Report and Have It Removed: Report the fake content to the platform operators immediately.
- Clarification: Depending on the situation and after consulting with an advisory service, it may be advisable to make the forgery public in order to regain control over the narrative.
- Reverse image search: Tools like Google Images or TinEye can sometimes help you find the original material used to create the fake. This can serve as evidence of manipulation.
Legal action:
- Criminal Complaint: Even though there is no specific "deepfake law," such acts are punishable by law. Depending on the content, they may constitute offenses such as insult (§ 185 StGB), defamation (§ 186 StGB), slander (§ 187 StGB), or a violation of the right to one's own image.
4. Digital Surveillance & Stalkerware
The misuse of tracking apps to monitor your smartphone activity.
Countermeasures:
- Check your smartphone: Go through the list of your installed apps. Look for apps you don't recognize or that have suspicious names (e.g., "System Service").
- Anti-stalkerware apps: Programs like Malwarebytes or specialized tools from antivirus vendors can detect and remove such surveillance apps.
- Factory reset (last resort): If you’re certain you’re being monitored but can’t find the app, resetting your device to factory settings is the safest option. Warning: Be sure to back up your important data first, but don’t restore an old backup, as it may contain spyware.
- Change your passwords: Immediately after uninstalling the software, change all your passwords, especially those for your email and cloud accounts (Apple ID, Google Account).
Legal action:
- Reporting a crime to the police: The unauthorized installation of surveillance software is a criminal offense (Section 202a of the German Criminal Code: Interception of data; Section 202b of the German Criminal Code: Interception of data).
- Important: Ideally, have your device backed up by IT forensic experts or the police before the software is removed, so that the incident can be documented in a way that preserves the evidence.
The following apps can help you find such software:
- Malwarebytes: This app is known for its ability to detect and remove malware and spyware from mobile devices. It also offers protection against stalkerware.
- Avira: Avira offers mobile security solutions that are also effective at detecting stalkerware.
- Avast: Avast also offers mobile security solutions to protect against unwanted spyware.
- Clario Anti Spy: This tool automatically scans your device for hidden spyware, suspicious apps, and system-level tampering—issues commonly found in lists of stalkerware apps.
- Protectstar Anti Spy: This app scans for suspicious profiles, excessive permissions, or known stalkerware remnants and provides clear recommendations for action.
