Oktoberfest Hands Out Shorts to Stop Upskirt Filming as Voyeur Videos Flood Social Media

Munich's Oktoberfest has begun distributing free shorts to women in an effort to prevent upskirting, after thousands of voyeuristic videos from the festival surfaced on social media. The measure, announced this week, targets the widespread filming under skirts and dresses without consent at the world's largest beer festival.

The festival, which draws over six million visitors annually, has faced growing criticism for inadequate protections against digital sexual harassment. Organizers say the shorts, available at entrances and information points, are part of a broader campaign to raise awareness and encourage reporting. 'We want everyone to feel safe and enjoy the festival without fear,' a festival spokesperson said, though exact figures on the videos' prevalence were not provided.

The move has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising the proactive step and others arguing it places responsibility on women rather than addressing perpetrators. Similar initiatives are being watched by event organizers globally as they grapple with privacy violations in the smartphone era. Munich police have not announced additional enforcement measures, but the festival's actions may set a precedent for public safety policies at large gatherings.