Organizers of the “Teufelsrad” (“Devil’s Wheel”) ride at the ongoing Oktoberfest festival in München, Germany, are now providing free cycling shorts to female riders. This measure was implemented due to a significant increase in surreptitious photos being taken up women’s skirts while on the ride. Millions have viewed the images and videos posted online, with some individuals profiting from the illicit content. The “Devil’s Wheel”, one of the oldest attractions at the 16-day Oktoberfest, is a fast-spinning platform where riders are spun until they nearly fall off, creating opportunities for upskirting. While upskirting is illegal in Germany, punishable by up to two years in prison, over 32,000 photos and videos have surfaced online this year. Elisabeth Polach, who operates the ride, has been distributing free shorts for the past three years to protect riders from hidden camera attacks, and has distributed over 100 this year. Oktoberfest beer servers are also now wearing shorts under their traditional dirndls.

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