References and Links

With a judgment dated May 12, 1998 (case number 312 O 85/98), the Hamburg District Court ruled that a provider who refers to the contents of other websites through a so-called "link" or "hyperlink" (hereinafter referred to as "link") may be held partially responsible for the content of these websites. According to the aforementioned decision, this can only be prevented if a provider explicitly distances themselves from the content of the linked websites.

In the case of direct or indirect references to external websites (links) that are beyond the responsibility of the provider, the provider is only liable if they have knowledge of the content and if it is technically possible and reasonable for them to prevent the use of illegal content. The provider hereby expressly declares that at the time of setting the link, the linked pages were free from illegal content. The provider also states that they have no influence on the current and future design and content of the linked/referenced pages. Therefore, they explicitly distance themselves from all contents of all linked/referenced pages that have been changed after the link was set and do not endorse them. This statement applies to all links and references placed within the provider's own website as well as to entries made by third parties in discussion forums or similar platforms established by the provider. The provider of the page to which reference was made is solely liable for any illegal, incorrect, or incomplete content and, in particular, for damages arising from the use or non-use of such information, not the person who merely refers to the respective publication through links.