Taking a Stand: The Majority of Germans Urge Political Action Against Online Hate and Agitation!
Online Political Action is Sought by a Large Number of Germans. - Online Hostility: Most Germans Urge Politicians to Intervene Against Internet Hate Speech
Approximately 2 minutes read
Every third German encounters hate speech on the internet, according to a survey by Forsa on behalf of RTL, conducted between June 10 and 12, 2025. On the International Day for Combating Agitation, which falls on June 18, it becomes crucial to address this issue.
Action Day Against Online Hate and Agitation on June 18
71% of survey participants have experienced hostile, degrading, or aggressive remarks online, with young people and daily social media users being the most impacted. Despite this, only 16% have been personally affected by cyberbullying. However, a massive 70% of respondents believe that the government isn't doing enough to combat online hate. Even supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party share this sentiment, with 55% expressing dissatisfaction. only 14% fear that measures against hate speech restrict free speech, while 83% do not.
The United Nations declared June 18 as the International Day for the Combating of Agitation for the first time in 2021. This year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlights the dangers of artificial intelligence and biased algorithms in the spread of online agitation. "We must counter toxic narratives with positive messages and empower people to recognize, reject, and resist agitation," he said.
RTL Germany Supports the Action Day
RTL Germany supports the action day with initiatives like "Together. Against hate and agitation." Throughout the week, the channel reports on the effects of negative online culture and provides practical tips, addressing topics like cyberbullying's impact on children's mental health, the support available for victims, legal options, and the Ministry of Digital Affairs' plans.
Note: The polling institute Forsa surveyed 1,002 people on behalf of RTL Germany in 2025. The survey is representative, with a statistical error tolerance of +/- 3 percentage points.
Germany's Legislative Actions Against Online Hate
Germany is committed to combating online hate through regulations such as the Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) at the European Union level. The NetzDG requires social media platforms with over 2 million users to remove illegal content within 24 hours, while the DSA imposes obligations on very large online platforms, including German users, to report illegal content like hate speech and work with law enforcement on serious threats to life or safety.
Further measures proposed to combat online hate include enhancing laws for better distinction between illegal hate speech and free expression, increasing transparency for platforms, and improving users' ability to report hateful content with clear follow-up procedures. There is also a possibility of expanding the scope of platforms subject to regulation or increasing removal requirements' speed and scope.
The balance between combating hate speech and preserving free expression continues to be debated as part of ongoing policy developments in Germany.
- In light of the majority of Germans expressing dissatisfaction with the government's response, there is a growing call for policy-and-legislation revisions, particularly in community policy and employment policy, aimed at intensifying efforts against online hate and agitation.
- As the International Day for Combating Agitation approaches, general-news outlets like RTL Germany are dedicating resources to cover the issue extensively, providing news, practical tips, and discussions on the uncertain waters of politics, policy-and-legislation, and the ongoing debate about balancing the need to combat hate speech with preserving free expression.
