First, from the 1:53 mark, Prof. Niko Härting and Dr Stefan Brink discuss reforms to the Freedom of Information Acts (IFG) in the federal states. In Berlin, critical infrastructure is to be exempted from the Freedom of Information Act. In Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, too, there are now moves to restrict freedom of information. Not exactly a hit!
The discussion then turns (from 11:19) to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruling of 31 March 2026 – VI ZR 157/24. Schlager star Helene Fischer took legal action against a report by BILD. In its ruling, the BGH addressed the scope of liability for intermediaries regarding follow-up reporting on social media and the internet. What measures does the Federal Court of Justice consider reasonable for those liable for interference?
Finally (28:01), Brink and Härting discuss a decision by the Higher Administrative Court of Koblenz dated 28 November 2025 – 10 A 11059/23.OVG. A patient’s health data was forwarded to a specialist. As a result, the patient concerned contacted the state data protection authority. The legal successor of the patient, who has since passed away, continued the complaint before the courts. Can the right to informational self-determination also protect the data of deceased persons under certain circumstances?