網路論壇的不當或侵權言論,透過網路科技的推波助瀾,對受害人的影響更甚於以往,但網路論壇經營者對登載在其平台上的言論是否應負相關法律責任,國內外司法實務目前似尚無明確的定論。在保障言論自由的前提下,網路論壇是否有權刪文或者應爲他人不當的言論負責?此議題之討論因網路論壇在法律上的定性究屬媒體或電信服務而異。 網路論壇的法律定性與義務範圍長期不明且各方見解分歧。以德國爲例,德國電子服務法中並無電信服務的提供者需對使用者行爲負責之規定,但在2007年國會通過電子媒體法取代電信服務法生效後,法院的見解逐漸有了轉變。本文擬從2005年以來德國相關判決探討德國實務界對於網路論壇責任看法的改變,以期作爲對我國相關法制討論的參考。
Should Internet forum Platform Provider (IPP) be responsible for users' illegal behavior or irresponsible speech, even they have no idea about those infringements? If yes, to what extent the responsibility is? It is a quite debatable issue. With the expectation to protect users' free speech, IPP in German normally take the approach of ”notice and take down” to protect itself, which means, IPP can be exempt from liability if they ”take down” material once upon receive ”notice” that it may be unlawful. It is not ruled by law but general be accepted by courts in Germany. But since Telemedien law take effect in 2007, the situation has been changed. Some German courts begin to consider IPP as a media and ask them to take dangerous liability. This article will compare and discuss the change of IPP liability in German with some case judgements.