(1) Everyone is permitted to inspect the register of associations as well as the documents filed with the local court by the association. A copy of the entries may be required; on request, the copy is to be certified. Where the register of associations is maintained by computer, the copy is replaced by a hard copy and the certified copy by an official hard copy.
(2) The introduction of a computerised procedure enabling the data to be transmitted from electronic registers of associations by retrieval is admissible if it is assured that
1. the retrieval of data does not exceed the inspection permitted under subsection (1) and
2. it is possible to monitor the permissibility of the retrievals on the basis of a log.
The Länder may specify a nationwide electronic information and communication system for the proceedings.
(3) Users are to be informed that they may use the data transmitted only for information purposes. The competent agency is to verify (e.g. by spot checks) whether there is evidence that the inspection permitted under sentence 1 has been exceeded or transmitted data are being misused.
(4) The competent agency may exclude a user from taking part in the computerised retrieval procedure if the user endangers the functional reliability of the retrieval equipment, exceeds the inspection permitted under subsection (3) sentence 1 or abuses transmitted data; the same applies in cases in which the threat of the permissible inspection being exceeded or abused is imminent.
(5) The competent agency is the Land department of justice. The agency with local jurisdiction is the Land department of justice within the portfolio of which the competent local court falls. This provision on jurisdiction may be varied by statutory instrument of the Land government. The Land government may confer, by statutory instrument, this authorisation upon the Land department of justice. The Länder may also agree to the jurisdiction being transferred to the competent agency of another Land.