POLICING CONTENT
Germany to rein in online incitement
Germany has some of the world’s toughest laws covering defamation, public incitement to commit crime and threats of violence
Berlin — Germany’s cabinet has approved a plan to fine social networks up to €50m if they fail to remove hateful postings quickly, prompting concerns the law could limit free expression. Germany has some of the world’s toughest laws covering defamation, public incitement to commit crime and threats of violence, with prison sentences for Holocaust denial or inciting hatred against minorities. However, few online cases are prosecuted. "There should be just as little tolerance for criminal rabble-rousing on social networks as on the street," Justice Minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday. He would seek to push for similar rules at a European level. The issue has taken on greater urgency as German politicians worry that a proliferation of fake news and racist content could sway public opinion in the run-up to September elections. However, organisations representing digital companies, consumers and journalists accused the government of rushing a law to parliament that could damage free sp...
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