Pressum

Pressum, commonly written as Impressum in German, refers to a legally required disclosure that must appear on many websites and other publications. It serves to identify the operator of a site, provide contact information, and enable accountability. Although “pressum” is often used in everyday language, the formal term in legal contexts is Impressum, and the rules are enforced by national telecommunications and media laws.

In German-speaking countries, Impressumspflicht applies primarily to commercial or business-oriented online services. It is designed to ensure transparency for users, consumers, and authorities. The exact requirements vary by country, but generally a site must reveal information that makes it possible to identify and contact the operator, and to verify its legal form and address. In Germany and Austria, the obligation is well established for most commercial telemedia; in Switzerland, disclosure is common and expected, but the precise legal framework differs and may be less stringent.

Typical content of an Impressum includes the name and legal form of the operator, a physical postal address, and reliable contact details (such as telephone and email). It may also require information about the registered business, such as trade or company registration numbers, VAT identification, and the responsible person for content. In addition, supervisory authorities and, for journalistic or editorial content, the person responsible for the content may need to be named.

Non-compliance can lead to warnings, cease-and-desist orders, and potential fines. For this reason, publishers and website operators typically ensure their Impressum is complete, accurate, and easily accessible from every page. Legal advice is often sought to tailor the imprint to specific services and jurisdictions.