• Mehr als 3 Millionen Wörter Inhalt
  • |
  • info@itmedialaw.com
  • |
  • Tel: 03322 5078053
Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel - ITMediaLaw

No products in the cart.

  • en English
  • de Deutsch
  • Informationen
    • Ideal partner
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Quick and flexible access
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Investment advice
      • Corporate law
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • AI and SaaS
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Games and esports law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Law firm for GMBH,UG, GbR
      • Law firm for IT/IP and media law
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Testimonials
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Price overview
    • Various information
      • Terms
      • Privacy policy
      • Imprint
  • Services
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Contract review and preparation
    • Games law consulting
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Booking as speaker
  • News
    • Gloss / Opinion
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Labour law
    • Competition law
    • Corporate
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Tax
    • Other
    • Internally
  • Podcast
    • ITMediaLaw Podcast
  • Knowledge base
    • Laws
    • Legal terms
    • Contract types
    • Clause types
    • Forms of financing
    • Legal means
    • Authorities
    • Company forms
    • Tax
    • Concepts
  • Videos
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos – about me (Couch)
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Videos on services
    • Shorts
    • Podcast format
    • Third-party videos
    • Other videos
  • Contact
Kurzberatung
  • Informationen
    • Ideal partner
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Quick and flexible access
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Investment advice
      • Corporate law
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • AI and SaaS
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Games and esports law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Law firm for GMBH,UG, GbR
      • Law firm for IT/IP and media law
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Testimonials
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Price overview
    • Various information
      • Terms
      • Privacy policy
      • Imprint
  • Services
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Contract review and preparation
    • Games law consulting
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Booking as speaker
  • News
    • Gloss / Opinion
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Labour law
    • Competition law
    • Corporate
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Tax
    • Other
    • Internally
  • Podcast
    • ITMediaLaw Podcast
  • Knowledge base
    • Laws
    • Legal terms
    • Contract types
    • Clause types
    • Forms of financing
    • Legal means
    • Authorities
    • Company forms
    • Tax
    • Concepts
  • Videos
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos – about me (Couch)
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Videos on services
    • Shorts
    • Podcast format
    • Third-party videos
    • Other videos
  • Contact
Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel - ITMediaLaw

Attention: Risk of discrimination with gender information on websites

24. September 2024
in Other
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0 0
A A
0
151b5dca2f9aac11ac0b0c97ff33a2a6
Key Facts
  • Registration forms are crucial for equal treatment and should avoid discrimination.
  • The binary gender indication is not sufficient and can cause legal problems.
  • The AGG prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity beyond "male" and "female".
  • Deutsche Bahn lost a lawsuit due to insufficient gender options and had to pay compensation.
  • Startups should implement inclusive registration forms at an early stage to avoid legal damage.
  • Options such as "diverse" or a free text field should be offered to signal diversity.
  • Inclusive forms are important to promote equality and diversity in the digital world.

As a provider of online services, SaaS solutions or other websites, it is important to observe the legal requirements with regard to anti-discrimination and equal treatment. One aspect that is often overlooked is the design of registration forms, especially when it comes to gender information.

Content Hide
1. Binary gender information is not enough
2. Deutsche Bahn loses court case
3. Startups particularly challenged
4. Conclusion
4.1. Author: Marian Härtel

Binary gender information is not enough

Many websites and services only offer the choice between “male” and “female” when registering. However, this binary gender specification does not do justice to the diversity of gender identities and can lead to accusations of discrimination.

The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender. This includes not only the classic categories of “male” and “female”, but also **diverse gender identities** such as non-binary, genderfluid or agender.

Deutsche Bahn loses court case

Deutsche Bahn provided an example of the legal consequences of inadequate gender selection. A person with a non-binary gender identity had filed a lawsuit against a sales subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn because it only allowed the form of address “Mr.” or “Ms.” when purchasing tickets online and in customer communication.

The Frankfurt am Main Higher Regional Court ruled that the railroad had discriminated against the plaintiff on the basis of her gender through this practice. Deutsche Bahn was not only ordered to cease and desist, but also had to pay compensation in the amount of 1,000 euros. As a result, the company had to add a gender-neutral option to its online booking system.

Startups particularly challenged

Young start-ups in particular are often very open to different ways of life and value diversity and inclusion. Nevertheless, the programming of online services often fails to implement these values in user interaction.

Although this may usually be done without malicious intent, it nevertheless harbors a considerable legal risk. This is because the AGG applies not only to large companies such as Deutsche Bahn, but to all providers of goods and services that are aimed at a mass audience. This includes online stores and digital platforms in particular.

Startups should therefore implement diversity-sensitive registration forms at an early stage in order to avoid injunctions and legal proceedings under the AGG. Otherwise, there is a risk not only of damage to the company’s image, but also of significant compensation payments.

Solutions for inclusive registration forms

To avoid the risk of discrimination and to enable all users to register inclusively, website operators should consider the following options:

– Offer additional selection option “diverse”
– Provide free text field for individual gender specification
– Do not specify gender at all if it is not mandatory

By implementing these measures, website operators not only signal openness and appreciation towards gender diversity, but also minimize legal risks.

Conclusion

The design of registration forms may seem trivial at first glance, but the choice of gender information can have far-reaching consequences. Website operators, especially start-ups, are well advised to check their forms for inclusivity and adapt them if necessary.

This not only avoids expensive legal proceedings, but also sets an example for equal treatment and diversity. Because in the digital age, no gender should be excluded from participation.

Marian Härtel
Author: Marian Härtel

Marian Härtel ist Rechtsanwalt und Fachanwalt für IT-Recht mit einer über 25-jährigen Erfahrung als Unternehmer und Berater in den Bereichen Games, E-Sport, Blockchain, SaaS und Künstliche Intelligenz. Seine Beratungsschwerpunkte umfassen neben dem IT-Recht insbesondere das Urheberrecht, Medienrecht sowie Wettbewerbsrecht. Er betreut schwerpunktmäßig Start-ups, Agenturen und Influencer, die er in strategischen Fragen, komplexen Vertragsangelegenheiten sowie bei Investitionsprojekten begleitet. Dabei zeichnet sich seine Beratung durch einen interdisziplinären Ansatz aus, der juristische Expertise und langjährige unternehmerische Erfahrung miteinander verbindet. Ziel seiner Tätigkeit ist stets, Mandanten praxisorientierte Lösungen anzubieten und rechtlich fundierte Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung innovativer Geschäftsmodelle zu gewährleisten.

Tags: FrankfurtFrankfurt am Main Higher Regional CourtRiskSaasStartups

Weitere spannende Blogposts

Legal Due Diligence: Your Guide to a Successful Startup Financing or Divestiture

Legal Due Diligence: Your Guide to a Successful Startup Financing or Divestiture
22. June 2023

Introduction As an attorney specializing in, among other things, startup financing, I have the opportunity to assist my clients in...

Read moreDetails

OLG Frankfurt rules on influencer labelling requirement for sponsored travel

Legal form as an influencer? A few hints!
24. October 2019

Summary With today's decision, the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main has prohibited an influencer and YouTuber from presenting...

Read moreDetails

Why NDAs are often considered “toothless tigers

contract 4085336 1280
20. September 2023

Introduction I encounter a variety of contracts every day in my practice as an attorney and business consultant, and one...

Read moreDetails

My first podcast is online – experimenting with a new medium

cropped LogoHeader 1
26. August 2024

Dear Readers, I'm pleased to tell you about my latest project today: I'm currently experimenting with podcasting! After many years...

Read moreDetails

Right of withdrawal for sales of blockchain content

Right of withdrawal for sales of blockchain content
22. December 2022

Content from blockchain providers in particular, be it coins of various kinds, utility tokens, security tokens or NFTs, is generally...

Read moreDetails

Looking to the future: AI and blockchain as trailblazers for 2024

Digital sovereignty: Europe’s path to a self-determined digital future
22. December 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, it has been a year full of exciting developments and challenges, particularly in the...

Read moreDetails

A breakthrough in data protection diplomacy: EU and US move closer to an adequacy decision

hacker 4031973 1280
4. July 2023

Introduction In a world that is increasingly networked, the protection of personal data plays a crucial role. Every day, vast...

Read moreDetails

Costs of a patent attorney in the UWG trial

Costs of a patent attorney in the UWG trial
25. April 2019

Experienced colleagues know that legal proceedings can also be won simply with a potentially overwhelming cost burden. Often also in...

Read moreDetails

OLG Frankfurt corrects LG Frankfurt in influencer case law

Legal form as an influencer? A few hints!
2. August 2019

In April, the district court of Frankfurt am Main had rejected the issuing of an injunction against an Instagram influencer...

Read moreDetails
e1b22941 8541 4953 98a5 7858790f09a7 20191530

Objection

29. March 2025

Definition and purpose of the objection The objection is a legal remedy with which affected parties can take action against...

Read moreDetails
0a33de40 2ae4 401e 98dc b0d021b16861 204222195

Private equity

29. March 2025
c2e459635ec417865dff845c69568a21

Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act)

9. November 2024
Culpa in contrahendo

Culpa in contrahendo

16. October 2024
Business tax

Business tax

16. October 2024

Podcast Folgen

7c0b449a651fe0b81e5eec2e23515012 2

Urheberrecht im Digitalen Zeitalter

22. December 2024

In dieser aufschlussreichen knapp 20-minütigen Podcast-Episode von und mit mir wird das komplexe Thema des Urheberrechts im digitalen Zeitalter beleuchtet....

Der IT Media Law Podcast. Folge Nr. 1: Worum geht es hier eigentlich?

Der IT Media Law Podcast. Folge Nr. 1: Worum geht es hier eigentlich?

26. August 2024

Yeah, die erste richtige Folge mit mir selbst! In diesem Podcast tauchen wir ein in die spannende Welt des IT-Rechts...

Juristische Trends für Startups 2025: Chancen und Herausforderungen

Juristische Trends für Startups 2025: Chancen und Herausforderungen

19. April 2025

In dieser Episode beleuchten wir die rechtlichen Entwicklungen, die das Startup-Umfeld 2025 prägen werden. Von der KI-Regulierung über neue Kryptowährungsrichtlinien...

Auf der dunklen Seite? Ein Rechtsanwalt im Spannungsfeld innovativer Startups

Auf der dunklen Seite? Ein Rechtsanwalt im Spannungsfeld innovativer Startups

25. September 2024

In dieser persönlichen und fesselnden Episode taucht der erfahrene IT- und Medienrechtsanwalt tief in die Grauzone seiner beruflichen Tätigkeit ein....

  • Privacy policy
  • Imprint
  • Contact
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
Marian Härtel, Rathenaustr. 58a, 14612 Falkensee, info@itmedialaw.com

Marian Härtel - Rechtsanwalt für IT-Recht, Medienrecht und Startups, mit einem Fokus auf innovative Geschäftsmodelle, Games, KI und Finanzierungsberatung.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
  • Informationen
    • Ideal partner
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Quick and flexible access
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Investment advice
      • Corporate law
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • AI and SaaS
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Games and esports law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Law firm for GMBH,UG, GbR
      • Law firm for IT/IP and media law
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Testimonials
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Price overview
    • Various information
      • Terms
      • Privacy policy
      • Imprint
  • Services
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Contract review and preparation
    • Games law consulting
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Booking as speaker
  • News
    • Gloss / Opinion
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Labour law
    • Competition law
    • Corporate
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Tax
    • Other
    • Internally
  • Podcast
    • ITMediaLaw Podcast
  • Knowledge base
    • Laws
    • Legal terms
    • Contract types
    • Clause types
    • Forms of financing
    • Legal means
    • Authorities
    • Company forms
    • Tax
    • Concepts
  • Videos
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos – about me (Couch)
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Videos on services
    • Shorts
    • Podcast format
    • Third-party videos
    • Other videos
  • Contact
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
Kostenlose Kurzberatung