Germany Strengthens Its Online Censorship Laws
Jose Nino
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In late April, Germany announced plans to continue cracking down on “hate speech” and content that’s deemed harmful by blocking users and compelling online platforms to reveal the identity of users who spread hate.
Under the current Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG), social media companies are responsible for taking down content that has alleged hate speech.
However, according to a report by The Local, companies are the ones who have the power on deciding whether or not to kick off users from their platforms.
The Ministry of Justice drafted key points on a “law against digital violence.” The plan takes on “notorious infringers of rights on the digital space,” and has the aim of helping out in cases where the identity of the perpetrator is unclear.
A court would have the power of deciding the “proportionate” length of time to block an account. Additionally, blocking would only be imposed if all other options, which includes deleting posts, does not discourage a user from disseminating so-called hateful content.
The account holder would allegedly be made aware that their account is at risk of being blocked and given the opportunity to comment on the matter.
In sum, Germany is continuing its descent into police state status. This a country that has a political class that’s fanatically committed to enforcing political correctness — whether it’s persecuting dissident populist parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AFD) or censoring online free speech.
Germany is not a unique case. The majority of the European continent, especially countries in the European Union are following the same model of free speech suppression. If freedom is to continue existing in the West, such attacks against free speech must be categorically rejected.
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