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Hatred and agitation on the Internet: Police warn of a dramatic increase!
Wilhelmshaven is recording increasing online hate crime. Police take action against threats and insults.
Hatred and agitation on the Internet: Police warn of a dramatic increase!
In the Wilhelmshaven and Friesland region there has been a worrying increase in hate and hate speech on the Internet. NWZ Online reports this and points out that the Wilhelmshaven/Friesland police station is particularly affected. Press spokesman Ole Peuckert announces an increase in threats and insults for 2025, which will be listed in the upcoming police crime statistics.
The inhibition thresholds in the digital space are obviously significantly lower than in real life. A feeling of anonymity is quickly assumed, which leads to many people speaking out angrily or without thinking. One could say that there is something there when we talk about the challenges that the police have when it comes to attributing crimes to the perpetrators with evidence. It is often emotional discussions, especially about political or social issues, that lead to these attacks.
Legal framework
The legal basis for such crimes is clearly defined. Although freedom of expression is a protected fundamental right, it ends when the rights of others are violated. Insults according to § 185 StGB or threats according to § 241 StGB can have serious consequences. Depending on the severity of the offenses, there is a risk of fines or imprisonment.
Thilo Wijk, a communications scientist, highlights that the supposed anonymity of the Internet causes people to behave more aggressively. “You have to be careful how you appear online, because you can also be a perpetrator online,” says Wijk. Prominent personalities in particular are often the target of such attacks.
Education and support for those affected
Increasing awareness in society is leading to more people reporting such attacks. Support offers such as HateAid and respect! are available to help those affected by digital violence. In the case of cyberstalking, for example, which also constitutes stalking, victims can contact specialized organizations.
A criminal complaint is required to prosecute certain crimes. It is therefore very important to secure evidence: emails, screenshots and URLs should be documented. In social media, providers are obliged to set up a reporting channel for criminal content.
The current situation requires us all to be more vigilant and sensitive when dealing with digital communication. The claim that the Internet is a space of freedom should not obscure the fact that the rules of coexistence must also apply here. We have to work together to ensure that there is a respectful tone online too.
Further information on these topics can be found on the NWZ Online pages and on Help Info.
We must learn from experiences and ensure that we raise the barriers to respectful interaction in digital spaces before it is too late.