Online Game Chat Concerns

Summary

Your sarcastic comment in an online game chat is unlikely to be considered an offense under German law. Insults can be punishable, but context and intent matter. If someone felt insulted, they might file a complaint, but the chances of facing a heavy fine or penalty are low. Always aim for respectful communication to avoid misunderstandings.

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I have a question about a case in an online game. One of the things you can do in the game is sell something and advertise it. One person was advertising the same thing every minute, which was annoying. So, ironically, the following was written publicly in the chat: "At ... (name of player) you can buy ... if you still don't know after * ads." This was not meant to be offensive. It was ironic and of course it wasn't * ads, but it was a lot. Could that have been provocative or insulting and punishable by law? And was the "if you still don't know after * ads" perhaps an insult to the other players in the sense that some of them may still not know despite the amount of ads? (German law)
Hello ****,
Under German law, insults can be punishable (Section * of the German Penal Code). However, these situations are highly context-dependent. In your case:
- It's unclear if your message was merely sarcasm or intended to insult.
- It's important to consider how the message was received by the other person.
Given these complexities, legal recourse may be unlikely unless the insult is severe and clear.
So there is no offense here? Can I not worry or could I be fined heavily? It may be nonsense to worry about this, but unfortunately I often do. I didn't mean to offend anyone.
Based on your explanation, it doesn't seem like an offense under German law. However, it depends on the other party's perception. If they felt insulted, they might complain. It's unlikely you'd face a heavy fine for such a matter.
The person who made the ads apparently did not feel offended and I had also apologized to him. But could the "if you still don't know after * ads" be interpreted to mean that I think the others are stupid? That's not what I was trying to say, of course.
Based on your explanation, it's unlikely to be interpreted as an insult under German law. The intent and the context of the situation matter. It's always better to be careful with your words to avoid misinterpretations.
I could, of course, explain the context in the event of a complaint. I'll explain it to you again briefly: one person was annoyingly constantly advertising the same thing, so I sarcastically or ironically repeated for the players what the person was offering, with the addition "in case you still don't know after * advertisements." Did I call the other players stupid or insult them in any other way or make myself liable to prosecution? What if someone says that they feel insulted by it, even though that was not my intention?
Based on your explanation, and under German law, it seems unlikely that your statement can be construed as an insult. However, perception matters. If someone felt insulted, they might file a complaint. It's always advisable to maintain respectful communication to avoid misunderstandings.
Are the chances high that there will be a penalty if someone actually makes a complaint? Specifically, what would be a possible penalty in this case? How likely is it that something will happen at all?
Under German law, if a complaint is made and an insult is proven, possible penalties can include:
- A fine, based on your income
- Imprisonment up to one year
However, given the context and your explanation, it seems unlikely that your comments would be deemed as an insult. The chances of a penalty are arguably low.
How much would a fine be?
The amount of a fine in Germany depends on your daily income and the severity of the insult. It can range from * to * daily rates. Each daily rate equals your net daily income. So, if your daily income is €*, a *-day fine would be €*. However, in your case, a fine appears unlikely.
So can I rest assured?
Based on your explanation and the context of the situation, it seems unlikely that you would face legal consequences under German law. However, it's always advisable to use respectful communication to avoid potential misunderstandings or complaints.
Yes, I also felt guilty afterwards and, as I said, I apologized to the person directly concerned. But I'm afraid that I might be punished because I'm accused of having subliminally called someone stupid because they didn't understand something after several advertisements.
Based on the details you've shared, it seems unlikely that you've committed an offense under German law. However, remember that interpretations can vary, and it's always best to communicate respectfully to avoid potential issues.