The German Federal Criminal Police Agency (BKA) announced that it has launched a nationwide crackdown on acts considered hate speech on the Internet, RT reported on June 25.
Of the more than 140 criminal cases opened across German states, about two-thirds contained content that was often insulting to the political world. Popular crimes in this campaign include inciting hatred, using banned symbols, approving the crime and insulting others.
During the operation, German police conducted 65 searches and conducted several investigations. However, no suspects have been arrested. BKA called on people to actively support the authorities by reporting articles with hateful content online.
Mr. Herbert Reul, Minister of Home Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia - the most populous state in Germany - welcomed this campaign. Digital hotpots are not allowed to hide behind cell phones or computers, he said.
This campaign reflects the German government's efforts to control the cyber environment and deal with threats from extreme statements, especially as politicians and democratic institutions increasingly become targets of online attacks.
