The ability of people to hide behind anonymity on the Internet has opened up an opportunity to publish false information. The problem with this is that it does not require website operators to account for the content. This is especially damaging to customers and clients who have trusted the products, services and words of these companies - and may have been disappointed.In order to protect people from spammers and provide some level of accountability for their online activities, the wall of anonymity must come down to establish a more transparent online identity. This requirement can be met through the use of an imprint.
One of the most efficient and fastest ways to distribute any form of content is to use digital platforms. In doing so, a wide variety of content creators can publish their content. It does not matter if it is a simple blogger or a large company with an online platform. Everyone has the opportunity to publish their content online. This also makes it possible, for example, to profitably market one's own services and products. However, to overcome the cold facade of empty words, the Imprint provide a remedy here.
What is an imprint?
To address the growing problem of lack of accountability and transparency in online platforms, the Telemedia Act has made the use of an imprint a legal obligation. Companies and commercial bloggers based in German countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland are required to provide information about their online platform. In addition, you must provide an introduction of the persons responsible for the management of the company.
The word "", which originates from the LatinImprint", means to engrave or print on a surface, Therefore, a Imprint basically a declaration of ownership and copyright for content that is required by law. This applies to websites, newspapers, books and magazines in German-speaking countries. This puts a face behind any type of content for the user and ensures the need for accountability for promises and words behind a product or service.
What should an imprint contain?
- Name of the owner (often a company or organization)
- Registered address of the owner (must not be a P.O. Box)
- Valid contact information (email address, office number, phone number, fax, etc.)
- Name of the supervisory authority
- Name of individual legal representative (owner or manager of the company)
- Tax number or an equivalent number issued by the state
- License numbers or commercial register numbers
It is necessary for companies to provide the above data in their areas and other platforms in order to avoid legal disputes and warnings of any kind.
How must an imprint be displayed?
The goal of an imprint is to establish credibility and signal responsibility for the content. There would not be much use for a Imprint, if people could not find it easily on your website. For this reason, there are guidelines on how to make your Imprint, especially online, should display.
1. it must always be available: Your Imprint should be available anytime someone wants to see it. Due to this, you need to make sure that the page is always active and contains all the updated links and details.
2. your Imprint should be quickly findable: If users take a long time to search for your Imprint then it is too difficult to find and does not meet this criterion. This rule is intended to prevent website operators from using the Imprint not hide. To meet this criterion, you should make sure that users see your Imprint can easily find.
3. a Imprint should be accessible from any side:The Imprint should be accessible as quickly as possible and should not be placed in a nested manner. To achieve this you can use the Imprint e.g. simply place it in the footer of the website so that it is linked from every single page.
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