Everything you need to know about the «Hass melden» initiative for anonymous reporting of hate speech in Germany
In the age of the internet and social media, hate speech has become a serious problem that endangers social cohesion and undermines democratic values. To support victims and society as a whole, the «Hass melden» initiative was created as an innovative tool that allows people to report racist or inflammatory content anonymously.
What is the «Hass melden» initiative?
«Hass melden» is an independent online platform set up with the support of civil society organisations such as HateAid and the Demokratiezentrum Baden-Württemberg.
It enables individuals to report extremist and racist online content without disclosing their identity.
What are the goals of the initiative?
Combating hate speech on the internet, especially racist, anti-religious or xenophobic comments and posts.
Supporting victims and guiding them towards possible legal steps.
Raising public awareness of the importance of reporting and not remaining silent.
How does reporting via «Hass melden» work?
Accessing the platform
You can access the website via: hassmelden.de
Choosing the type of report
Posts on Facebook, Instagram or X/Twitter
Comments under videos or news articles
Providing details
Paste the link to the hateful or illegal content into the form
Add a short description of the incident or the reason for your report
Optionally, upload a screenshot to support your report as extra evidence
Submitting the report
You can submit the report without entering any personal data, which guarantees a high level of anonymity.
What happens after you submit a report?
The initiative’s team analyses and assesses the content with the help of legal experts.
If there is a suspicion of a criminal offence, the report is forwarded to the police or public prosecutor’s office.
If the reporting person chooses to leave an e-mail address, they can be informed about further steps or outcomes.
Is there legal protection for whistleblowers?
Yes. The German legal system protects people who report in good faith.
Thanks to the anonymous reporting option, no personal data is stored, which significantly increases security for users.
How does the initiative support victims?
Free initial legal advice via partner organisations such as HateAid.
Psychological support for victims and referrals to counselling or therapy services where needed.
Awareness-raising campaigns against hate speech in schools, universities and the wider public.
Tips when reporting
Always keep screenshots as additional evidence before content is removed or edited.
Avoid getting into direct arguments with the authors of hateful content to prevent escalation or personal risk.
If you feel personally threatened or in danger, contact the police immediately or seek help from the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency or specialised counselling centres.
Conclusion
The «Hass melden» initiative gives everyone a strong and easy-to-use tool to help clean up the digital space from hate speech and to contribute to a safer, more respectful and more tolerant society.
Remember: reporting is not just an option – it is a shared responsibility that protects you and others.
Important German terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hassrede | Hate speech |
| Anzeige erstatten | To file a report / press charges |
| Anonym | Anonymous |
| HateAid | Organisation supporting victims of digital hate and online violence |
| Screenshot | Screen capture / screenshot |
The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete information cannot be completely ruled out. The content should therefore be seen as an initial point of reference; for binding and up-to-date information, you should always contact the relevant authorities and professional advisory services.
