Hesse restarts reporting center against online hate speech - Hesse Overhauls Online Hate Reporting to Focus on Local Victims
Hesse is revamping its online hate reporting system after five years of operation. The current 'Hesse Against Hate' center will close and reopen under a new name, with a sharper focus on local cases. Reports to the service have surged from around 2,000 to 37,000 annually since its launch in 2019.
The restructured center will now be called the 'Contact and Counseling Center for Online Hate and Incitement'. Its main role will shift to supporting victims and offering guidance, rather than processing criminal complaints like threats or insults. Staff will still assess reports but will no longer provide feedback on anonymous submissions.
The reorganization means fewer cases will be reviewed, but the center will concentrate on local victims and clearer guidance. Anonymous reporters will no longer receive updates on their submissions. The changes take effect as the renamed service begins operations in the coming weeks.
