Cracking Down on Online Hate Speech: A Guide for Residents of Saxony-Anhalt
Online Actions Targeting Internet Hatred in Saxony-Anhalt: Twelve Steps Taken - Strategies to combat cyberbullying in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, put forth for consideration by authorities
In response to the growing issue of online hate speech, authorities in Saxony-Anhalt and across Germany are taking bold steps to combat this disturbing phenomenon. Here's what you can do if you encounter hate speech online:
- Document the Evidence: Take a screenshot or save the offensive content, including timestamps, URLs, and usernames. This evidence is crucial for any potential investigation.
- Report to the Platform: Use the reporting tools within the social media platform or website where the hate speech appears. By doing so, you're helping these companies comply with Germany’s Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG), which requires them to remove unlawful content promptly.
- Report to the Authorities:
- Federal Reporting Portal: Submit a report via the federal Meldeportal des Bundesamts für Justiz (Federal Bureau of Justice reporting portal), which is applicable nationwide.
- Local Police: File a report directly with the local police in Saxony-Anhalt via their online portal or at a police station.
- State Police (LKA Sachsen-Anhalt): For severe or systematic cases, contact the State Criminal Police Office.
Recently, police forces across Germany, including in Saxony-Anhalt, have intensified their efforts to combat online hate speech. Here's a snapshot of the actions being taken:
- Legal Enforcement: Germany has tightened its laws against hate speech, with the NetzDG law requiring platforms to remove or block unlawful content within a short timeframe. This law covers not only individual offenders but also organizations deemed extremist.
- Cooperation: Police work closely with federal authorities and platform operators to investigate and prosecute hate speech cases. Investigations often involve digital forensics and coordination with social media companies.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Authorities keep a watchful eye on online spaces for hate speech and extremist content. Recently, far-right groups and parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) have come under increased scrutiny.
- Public Awareness: Nationwide campaigns encourage citizens to report hate speech and promote easier reporting through updated tools and portals.
It's essential to remember that every report makes a difference in the fight against online hate speech. Stand against hatred, and contribute to a safer, more inclusive online community.
- Police
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Hate Speech
- Reporting
- Germany
- NetzDG
- AfD
[1] Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution[4] Weizenbaum Institute[5] Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG)
- The Community policy in Saxony-Anhalt and Germany, in response to the rising issue of online hate speech, includes advising residents to report such incidents through several channels, such as the Federal Reporting Portal, local police, and the State Police (LKA Sachsen-Anhalt), and the cooperation with federal authorities and platform operators in investigating and prosecuting such cases falls under the employment policy of these services.
- The General-news regarding the crackdown on online hate speech in Saxony-Anhalt has highlighted the intense efforts by the police forces, including increased surveillance of online spaces for hate speech and extremist content, and the implementation of stricter laws against hate speech, like the Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG), which comes under the politics category in crime-and-justice.
