Everything you need to know about online hate speech (NetzDG) and fast reporting on social-media platforms in Germany
With the massive growth of social media, hate speech (Hassrede) has become an increasing threat to peaceful coexistence, encouraging violence and discrimination against different groups. In response, Germany adopted the Network Enforcement Act in 2017 (Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz – NetzDG), commonly known as the law against online hate speech.
What is the NetzDG?
The NetzDG obliges major social-media platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube) to remove or block illegal content and hate speech quickly after it has been reported.
The main objective is to:
protect users, and
ensure a digital environment free from threats, incitement and violence.
What is considered illegal content?
Content prohibited under the NetzDG includes, in particular:
Incitement to hatred against religious, ethnic or national groups (§ 130 StGB – Volksverhetzung).
Threats of physical violence (§ 241 StGB).
Display or distribution of banned symbols (such as Nazi symbols) (§ 86a StGB).
Serious defamation and gross insults that violate human dignity.
Content involving child pornography or sexualised violence.
What are the obligations of platforms under the law?
Remove or block clearly illegal content within 24 hours after receiving a complaint.
Handle more complex cases within a maximum of 7 days.
Publish a transparency report every six months detailing complaints received and actions taken.
How can you file a quick report?
Use the built-in reporting function
All platforms covered by the NetzDG offer an integrated “report” or “flag” button, usually located next to the offending post, comment or video.
Fill in the report form
This usually includes:
a short description of the incident or content,
a selection of the type of violation (hate speech, threat, banned symbols, etc.),
an option to upload screenshots or supporting links.
Follow up
The platform normally sends a confirmation that your report has been received.
Once the review is completed, you will be informed whether the content was deleted, the account was blocked, or the report was rejected.
What if the platform does not comply?
If providers fail to maintain an effective complaint mechanism or neglect to review reported content, German regulatory authorities may:
impose fines of up to 50 million euros on the company.
Role of the police and the courts
In serious cases – for example, direct threats or explicit calls for violence – affected persons can also:
report directly to the police (in cases of immediate danger: emergency number 110),
file a criminal complaint (Strafanzeige) with the police or public prosecutor’s office.
Preventive and community-based programmes
Awareness campaigns against hate speech, especially targeted at young people.
Support for civil-society initiatives that promote respect and democratic culture online.
Cooperation between schools and organisations to raise students’ awareness of cyberbullying and digital hate speech.
Does the NetzDG restrict freedom of expression?
No. The law aims to strike a balance between:
freedom of expression (Article 5 of the German Basic Law – Grundgesetz), and
the protection of individuals and groups from incitement, discrimination and calls to violence.
Criticism, strong opinions and political debate remain permitted – as long as they do not turn into:
hate speech,
direct threats, or
incitement to violence and dehumanisation.
Conclusion
Online hate speech is a destructive phenomenon that harms both individuals and society as a whole. Thanks to the NetzDG, there are now stronger tools to protect users and hold perpetrators to account.
Remember: reporting is not only a way to protect yourself, but also a social responsibility to help create a more respectful and safer digital space.
Key German terms
Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz (NetzDG): Network Enforcement Act regulating social networks.
Hassrede: Hate speech.
Strafanzeige: Criminal complaint.
Volksverhetzung: Incitement to hatred.
Löschpflicht: Legal obligation to delete/remove illegal content.
— The website’s editorial team strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details may occur. Please regard this article as an initial point of orientation and always contact the competent authorities and professional bodies for binding, up-to-date information.
