The Insurance of Risks to Information Safety in Communication Systems within the Legal Framework of Germany

In the new world of information highways new risks threaten the transfer of information in communication systems. Besides safety measures, questions arise concerning the insurance of the risks to information safety. Before examining this insurance problem, the legal framework, in particular the liability of töhe network and service provider is explained, in order to identify the risk-taking persons. Then, special supply and demand side characteristics are identified. The high correlation of individual risks and the problems of identifying the cause and the amount or value of information damage in networks are the most crucial parameters for an insurance supplier. Therefore, the option of a public insurance system is critically evaluated.