Everything You Need to Know About Reporting Racist Incidents Online via “HateAid” in Germany
With the rise of racist crimes and hate speech on the internet, the need for confidential, low-threshold reporting platforms has become increasingly urgent. One of the most important initiatives in Germany is HateAid, which offers an online reporting service and legal support for cases of digital violence and racist discrimination against individuals and groups.
HateAid is a non-profit organisation founded in 2018 in Berlin that works to protect digital human rights in Germany. It provides victims of digital violence with psychological support, counselling and legal funding to take action against hate speech and racist incitement online (en.wikipedia.org).
Individuals or groups who receive threats, insults or abusive messages online because of their ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.
Hate content targeting specific groups that reaches the level of incitement to violence, discrimination or denial of crimes against humanity (for example, Holocaust denial).
Access the reporting form: You can fill in an online reporting form on the HateAid website to document the incident (hateaid.org).
Provide information: This includes links to the content, screenshots and a brief description of what happened.
Contact with the victim: HateAid receives your report, reviews it and gets in touch to analyse the case.
Ongoing support: The team coordinates with the victim on possible legal steps and further measures.
a) Initial and emotional counselling
HateAid offers free, early psychosocial support and first-line counselling for victims of digital violence and hate speech (hateaid.org, hateaid.org, bmjv.de).
b) Legal support
The organisation can finance and accompany legal proceedings against platforms or individual users, including strategic lawsuits and test cases – for example against Facebook and X/Twitter (en.wikipedia.org).
c) Awareness-raising and policy work
HateAid also works to raise awareness among policymakers and institutions, advocates for stronger legal protection in the digital space, and contributes to policy development (hateaid.org).
Professional and reliable support: A team of legal experts and social professionals assesses each case thoroughly.
Strict confidentiality: All reports are handled confidentially and subjected to careful legal review.
Protection of victims’ rights: Victims are supported psychologically, procedurally and legally to enforce their rights.
Visit the HateAid website and select the “Meldeformular” (online reporting form) (hateaid.org).
Fill in the incident details and upload any attachments.
Wait for HateAid staff to contact you, assess the case and discuss next steps.
In addition, HateAid offers email support (beratung@hateaid.org) and telephone counselling at specific times.
HateAid works closely with other initiatives such as “REspect!” (supported by the Jugendstiftung) and with official institutions. Within the framework of the Digital Services Act, HateAid acts as a Trusted Flagger, meaning it can flag unlawful content directly to online platforms (de.wikipedia.org).
The online reporting system provided by HateAid is a vital pillar in the fight against digital racism and hate. It combines psychological and legal support with advocacy and public awareness, helping victims to act safely and effectively.
If you encounter hate speech or discrimination online, do not hesitate to report it: there are organisations ready to stand by your side, protect your rights and help you restore your dignity.
HateAid: Support organisation for victims of digital violence
Meldeformular: Online reporting form
Trusted Flagger: Trusted entity that reports illegal content to platforms
Digital Services Act: EU Digital Services regulation
Hate Speech: Hate speech
Volksverhetzung: Incitement of the people / racist incitement (criminal offence)
* The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on extensive research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may remain uncertain. Please treat the information in this article as an initial reference and always contact the competent authorities for binding and confirmed information.
