Impressum is a word derived from Latin. It is generally used in countries where German is spoken and serves to confirm possession or execution of some type of document.
Some examples can be seen in brochures, in books, in magazines, in newspapers and even on websites developed in central Europe.
In the rest of the countries there is no word that exactly defines "impressum" in its context. Literally translated, it would be equivalent to the word “footprint”.
However, this definition covers a series of data that are considered required by law. These data must be specified in some countries such as Germany, Switzerland or Austria.
Data required for impressum
The data that these countries require in any document to identify a property must include several sections.
In addition to personal names, data such as the date and place of publication, edition, the tax situation or any censorship revision must appear. What is intended with this is the absolute reliability of any type of public content.
In any case, this data could be compared with that offered in other countries. These would be similar to those that can be found in the section where the data of the collaborators of a publication appears.
The information of the chief editors, the director, the publisher or, in the same way, the company that makes the publication must appear.
What is an impressum for?
The impressum indicates the legal origin of the publications. These include information on the persons responsible for the written arguments.
On many occasions a declaration of ownership can also be required on websites.
For example, in the case of Facebook, anyone with the intention of creating a page must fill out a section to provide greater credibility to their site.
To do this, you can do it through a few steps that will be indicated in the country that requests it (in the menu "Edit information", "Ownership and Authorship"). As of today, this is only required in the aforementioned countries.
As of 2014, this social platform has a section for companies advertised on Facebook to publish their legal terms and conditions.
In the field "Page information" you can find the section "Impressum" (ownership and authorship), through which you can write the legal notice or determine a link by going to the website for more information.
Impressum to ensure reliability
The introduction of impressum serves to offer and guarantee confidence to any user. Readers, followers and clients who want to enlighten themselves through any type of written document will have the quality guarantee required by law in those countries.
These actions offer a more professional and reliable image, in addition to being transparent. For example, in the case of a lawyer, in countries like Germany he must publish his registration number.
In addition, you must include your name and other personal data that guarantee the reliability and authenticity of your professionalism.
In each country you can consult the local legislation. This is to examine the type of information to include in the impressum. The process is carried out to rule out errors and fraud.
References
- Wikipedia.es (2015). Impressum 2017, from Wikipedia org. Website: definition and function of Impressum according to Wikipedia
- Digital Law (2016). Legal notice for pages 2017, of Digital Guide. Website: Digital guide to legal notices
- Wikipedia org. (2010). Impressum in Germany 2017, from Wiki.org. Website: Diskussion: Impressum
- Wörterbuch Deustch (2012). ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD IMPRESSUM 2017, by Wörterbuch Deustch. Website: worterbuchdeutsch.com