ÖVP plan polarizes

Call for clear names “attack on freedom of expression”

It is well known that hotel, restaurant or product reviews on the internet are not always honest. Threats and slander are a problem. However, the latest ÖVP proposal to oblige users to use their real names also goes too far for the Green coalition partner.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

Help with purchasing decisions for some, a source of illegal abuse and slander for others. A welcome election campaign topic for others: online reviews on platforms such as Google Maps and Tripadvisor have been the subject of controversial debate since the Italian and parts of the Austrian government have been campaigning for an end to anonymity on the platforms. Their supporters want to better protect business people and facilitate criminal prosecution with a so-called "clear name obligation", while opponents warn of an attack on freedom of expression.

The demand for an end to anonymous online reviews and a clear name requirement appears to be important to the People's Party. On Friday, State Secretary for Tourism Susanne Kraus-Winkler went out to campaign with hotelier and Neos politician Sepp Schellhorn for an end to anonymous online reviews. On Monday, ÖVP State Secretary for Digitalization Florian Tursky reiterated the demand, and on Wednesday he reiterated it again with Secretary General Christian Stocker at a press conference - with reference to the Chancellor's "Austria Plan". They also revealed initial details of where and how they intend to combat anonymous reviews and postings. However, political majorities for the plan are not in sight.