Search Engine Found Liable in Celebrity Sexpic Case

BERLIN — A meta-search engine that aggregates content from other search engines can be held liable for defamatory content, a German court has ruled.

The case decided last week involved popular German TV host Babette Einstmann, who had received a temporary injunction against meta-search engine operator Sharelook Beteiligungen GmbH over a link that allegedly listed her name in connection with an online adult site when the search term “naked” was entered.

Arguing the TV host couldn’t reproduce the objectionable search results and that it offered no content of its own, Sharelook refused to remove the link. Einstmann later sued.

Meta-search engines are a slight variation on a traditional search engine because they allow users to search several search engines at once. Some meta-search engines blend the results together; others keep the results separate.

In court, justices disagreed with the Sharelook's argument that it was immune from liability, ruling that the meta-search engine was obligated to ensure that infringing items not reappear in its results list in the future.

The Berlin Landgericht said that providing a link to “unlawful” third-party content subjects the link provider to liability as well.

Justices ruled that the fact that the search engine is a meta-search engine does not justify exempting it for making accessible third-party content that is defamatory.

The court added that Sharelook and other meta-search engines could limit the scope of their liability by using filtering software.

Sharelook vowed to appeal the decision.

The case is Einstmann vs. Sharelook Beteiligungen GmbH.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Show More