{
  "id": 11590669,
  "title": "Women in Munich Oktoberfest given free shorts to prevent upskirting",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/women-in-munich-oktoberfest-given-free-shorts-to-prevent-upskirting",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T03:06:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/munich-oktoberfest-ride-gives-women-free-shorts-amid-thousands-of-upskirting-videos/articleshow/134651034.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Teufelsrad, a popular attraction at Munich's Oktoberfest, has sparked controversy after operators began providing free cycling shorts to women to prevent voyeuristic videos being taken under their skirts. The large circular platform spins at increasing speeds, often causing skirts and dresses to rise, making riders vulnerable to being filmed from below. Thousands of videos featuring women on the Teufelsrad have circulated online, with some attracting millions of views and earning creators significant income. At least 32,000 videos of women on the ride have been documented, with some featuring digitally altered images to make women appear naked. While filming under someone's skirt is illegal in Germany and can result in up to two years in prison, critics argue the current law does not cover all situations where intimate images are captured. Elisabeth Polaczy, owner of the Teufelsrad for three years, has distributed over 100 free cycling shorts to women and girls wearing dresses during this year's festival, aiming to enhance their sense of security. Bavarian police have ramped up warnings about upskirting, arresting individuals who have taken compromising photos of women in dirndl dresses. New rules also restrict live streaming and require filming permits at Oktoberfest.",
  "summary": "At least 32,000 videos featuring women on the Teufelsrad have been circulated, according to Munich daily Süddeutsche Zeitung. Some have apparently been watched millions of times. The videos often show women wearing traditional dirndl dresses with their underwear visible. Some images have also been digitally manipulated to make the women appear naked, according to BR.",
  "key_points": [
    "Teufelsrad operators provide free cycling shorts to women at Oktoberfest.",
    "32,000+ videos of women on ride documented, many featuring digitally altered images.",
    "Bavarian police increase warnings and restrictions on upskirting at festival."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The free shorts distribution at Munich's Oktoberfest marks a shift in ride operators taking proactive measures to protect women's privacy and dignity, aligning with increased police warnings and stricter filming rules.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}