Jay’s experience really hits home and leaves us speechless. All too often, the internet acts as a breeding ground for hatred and incitement. However, we are not powerless – and the more people there are who show civil courage online, the more likely it is that the internet will become a place where everyone can feel safe. We can make it a place where people can come together based on democratic rules.
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The internet offers a world of possibilities and inspiration. It brings people together. However, the internet is increasingly being misused to marginalize or intimidate certain people. People can lie, insult and slander each other as much as they want to on social media. Some see the anonymity of the internet as a license to attack other people without any consequences, and such online attacks spread rapidly as they attract hangers-on. At first, this concentrated hate leaves us speechless. Attacks are often aimed at things like a person’s skin color, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, age, disability, or religion. Alternatively, people might be targeted because they belong to a certain section of society or because they have a particular job. Political viewpoints are also targeted. Ultimately, anyone can be affected.
Abuse someone in person on the street and you risk prosecution. So what is the situation with social media?
Play nowDeliberately asserting or spreading untrue facts that violate the honor of a person and degrade their reputation in public opinion is called "slander" and is prohibited.
Next question (2 of 4)The swastika is a forbidden symbol and may not be used or distributed in Germany. Both is a criminal offence.
Next question (3 of 4)But what is decisive is the context! If one's own opinion is recognizable ("I think that....."), such a statement is permitted. But if persons are discriminated against or disparaged, it is not allowed and no longer falls under freedom of opinion.
Next question (4 of 4)That is incitement of the people. Anyone who incites hatred, violence and arbitrariness against a certain group of people or attacks the human dignity of others, thus disturbing public peace, is liable to prosecution.
Show evaluationAlthough almost all of us have come across hateful comments online before, very few people actually do anything about it. Instead, when confronted by hate, we are paralyzed by shock. We don’t know whether we should respond or how, so we quickly scroll on. How could we respond, take a stand against hate, and make discussions more constructive?
“Digital civil courage” podcastHate and incitement have no place in our society – not on the internet and not in real life, where words unfortunately become deeds. We believe everyone should be able to enter into dialog with each other on the basis of fairness. We are taking specific steps to pursue this aim. Deutsche Telekom CEO Tim Höttges
At Deutsche Telekom, we passionately believe that people should be able to utilize the benefits of the digital era. That includes doing everything we can to ensure they enjoy their travels in the digital world and don’t have to worry that they are going to be attacked, marginalized, or hurt. We won’t stop until everyone is able to #TAKEPART in the digital sphere without being afraid. That is why we are actively working to shape a positive culture of dialog on the internet.
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