The police explain how everyone can take action against hate messages on the Internet

Action in the event of hatred on the Internet: Insults, discrimination or extremist slogans: Hate speech that is directed against certain people and groups of people spreads quickly over the Internet and is often punishable.

Everyone can do something to counteract this and thus contribute to more security on the Internet. That's why, on the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2020, the police are providing information about ways to actively combat hate online. Hate speech and hate speech can be found in comment columns on social networks, in emails or in messenger services. This content is a form of violence that is spread through language, images and words in digital media. Such comments often target entire groups of people. They are insulted and threatened, for example because of their origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Such hateful statements are punishable by law if they exceed the limits of free expression and violate the rights of others. In Germany, the Basic Law protects every person from discrimination based on skin color, origin or gender.

“Hate speech must not be tolerated in real life or on the internet. It is crucial that users defend themselves against hateful statements and comments. This is an important signal to the perpetrators. But this also encourages other network participants to take a stand against hatred online,” says Dirk Behrmann, head of the prevention office of the LKA Lower Saxony.

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Police crime prevention uses a variety of media to provide information about counter-reactions to hate comments or insults. These include brochures such as “Clicks Moments for Internet Users” or the websites www.polizeifürdich.de and www.zivile-helden.de .

With the tips from Civil Heroes, everyone can act against hate online:

  • “I can intervene and contradict hate messages” – hate speech must not be tolerated or ignored.
  • “I can document” – screenshots or saved chat histories are proof that you can report hate comments later.
  • “I can report it” – the hate messages should definitely be reported, for example to the network operator, the Internet Complaints Office ( www.internet-beschwerdestelle.de ) and the police. February 6, 2020 Press release No. 2 Press

Prevention concept “Civil Heroes”: Interactive film against hate on the Internet

From offensive sayings and threats to calls for violence – hate speech on the internet affects many people. The reasons for this are intolerance, racism or even sexism. In an interactive video, the Civilian Heroes illustrate the consequences that a misogynistic saying online can have. on the website www.zivile-helden.de/hass-im-netz/ in which strategies against hate on the Internet can be learned.

Item image: Shutterstock / By Master1305


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )