Why are cycling shorts being distributed at Oktoberfest?
The distribution of free cycling shorts is a direct response to the proliferation of voyeuristic content captured on the Teufelsrad, a historic circular rotating platform. As the ride accelerates, the centrifugal force frequently causes riders' skirts to lift, exposing their underwear. This phenomenon has been exploited by individuals filming from the crowd to create viral social media content.
Elisabeth Polaczy, the 80-year-old operator of the Teufelsrad, has been providing these shorts to women and girls for the past three years to mitigate the risks of being filmed without consent. During the current Oktoberfest, she has distributed more than 100 pairs. Polaczy stated to the BBC that her motivation is to ensure visitors feel secure, noting that while the cost of the donation is significant, it is necessary for her own peace of mind.
The scale of the issue is evidenced by the sheer volume of content circulating online. The Süddeutsche Zeitung reports that at least 32,000 videos featuring women on the Teufelsrad have been identified. These videos often garner millions of views, creating a lucrative but exploitative economy for content creators. The ride itself is one of the oldest attractions at the annual beer festival, which concludes this weekend after a 16-day run.
The economics of voyeuristic content
The financial incentive for capturing these moments is substantial. Local broadcaster BR reported that one woman earned €9,000 (£7,650) from a single video clip. This highlights a growing trend where privacy violations are monetized through social media engagement and platform ad revenue.
Investigations by BR suggested that a group of professional YouTubers from Ukraine, alongside several individuals from Bavaria, were responsible for much of this content. The scale of the exploitation is significant, with some videos being viewed millions of times. Beyond simple filming, BR also reported that some images have been digitally altered to show women naked, adding a layer of digital violence to the physical intrusion.
What are the current laws against upskirting in Germany?
German law strictly prohibits filming under a person's clothing, an act classified as upskirting. Violators can face prison sentences of up to two years. Despite these legal frameworks, advocates argue that the current statutes leave significant gaps in protection for victims of digital voyeurism.
Josephine Ballon, head of the German non-profit Hate Aid, which aims to support victims of digital violence, pointed out a critical legal distinction: current legislation is often only applicable when there is a deliberate act of filming under a skirt. The law struggles to address instances where a skirt is simply blown up by motion—such as on the Teufelsrad—and then photographed or filmed. This distinction allows perpetrators to claim the exposure was accidental rather than a targeted violation.
Furthermore, the emergence of new technologies, such as advanced camera glasses, presents an evolving threat to privacy in crowded festival environments. Ballon has called for stricter penalties that target not only the individuals who upload intimate images but also the digital platforms that host and profit from such content. She noted that while there are plans for a new law, the current legal landscape remains insufficient.
How is the Bavarian police responding to the issue?
The Bavarian police have implemented targeted awareness campaigns to deter voyeuristic behavior during the festival. Since 2025, authorities have utilized poster campaigns at Oktoberfest to warn attendees against upskirting. These warnings are displayed in both German and English to reach the festival's international audience. The Teufelsrad tent itself is also hung with signs and police posters to reinforce these warnings.
Enforcement remains a challenge, as the sheer density of the crowd makes it difficult to monitor every smartphone. However, arrests are being made. This year, police detained a 45-year-old Swiss man for allegedly using his phone to film under a German woman's dirndl. Historical data from the police shows a trend in enforcement: there were seven arrests for upskirting in 2024, which rose to 10 arrests the following year.
What new regulations are Munich authorities imposing on influencers?
The city of Munich has introduced stricter controls on content creators and influencers to curb unregulated filming at the festival. Recognizing that many creators earn significant income through product placement and sponsorships, the city has moved to formalize the filming process through a permitting system.
Under these new rules, Munich has banned live streaming from the festival grounds. Anyone wishing to film professionally or as an influencer must now hold a specific permit issued by the city, which requires the payment of a fee. This year, hundreds of these licenses were issued to influencers operating within the festival.
These measures aim to transition the festival from an unregulated filming environment to one where the city can monitor the activities of high-reach content creators. By requiring permits, authorities hope to balance the economic benefits of influencer marketing with the necessity of maintaining public order and respecting the privacy of festival attendees.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Teufelsrad?
The Teufelsrad, or Devil's Wheel, is one of the oldest attractions at the Munich Oktoberfest. It consists of a circular platform that rotates at increasing speeds until the riders lose their balance and fall off. The motion often causes traditional dresses, such as dirndls, to fly up.
Is upskirting illegal in Germany?
Yes, filming under a person's clothing is illegal in Germany and can result in a prison sentence of up to two years. However, legal experts note that current laws may not cover situations where clothing is lifted by wind or motion rather than a deliberate camera angle.
How much money can these videos generate?
Voyeuristic videos can be highly profitable on social media. According to broadcaster BR, one individual earned approximately €9,000 from a single clip. This has led to concerns regarding professional groups specifically targeting the festival for content creation.
What are the new filming rules in Munich?
Munich has banned live streaming at Oktoberfest and now requires influencers and content creators to obtain a paid permit from the city to film. This is part of an effort to regulate the growing number of professionals filming at the event.
How are victims being protected at the festival?
Protection measures include police warning campaigns, the distribution of free cycling shorts by ride operators, and a permit system for professional filming. Organizations like Hate Aid also work to support victims of digital violence and advocate for stronger legislation.
Key takeaways
- At least 32,000 voyeuristic videos of women on the Teufelsrad have been identified by the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
- Ride operators are distributing free cycling shorts to protect women from being filmed under their dresses.
- German law allows for up to two years in prison for upskirting, though legal gaps remain.
- Munich now requires influencers to hold paid permits and has banned live streaming at Oktoberfest.
Conclusion
The intersection of traditional festival culture and modern digital voyeurism has forced a significant shift in how Oktoberfest manages privacy and security. While grassroots efforts like the distribution of cycling shorts provide immediate, practical protection for riders, they highlight the limitations of current legal and technological safeguards. The move by Munich to regulate influencers through permits and the ongoing push for stronger digital violence laws suggest a growing recognition that privacy in the age of social media requires both proactive individual measures and robust institutional regulation. As technology evolves, the balance between public celebration and personal dignity remains a critical challenge for festival organizers.