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Censorship has taken on many forms throughout the history of Germany. Various regimes have restricted the press, cinema, literature, and other entertainment venues. In contemporary Germany, the Grundgesetz (Basic Law) generally guarantees freedom of press, speech, and opinion.[1]
Today, censorship is mainly exerted in the form of restriction of access to certain media (examples include motion pictures and video games) to older adolescents or adults, as well as perceived online fake news, hate speech and misinformation.
Furthermore, the publication of works violating the rights of the individual or those considered to be capable of inciting popular hatred (Volksverhetzung) may be prohibited. Possession of such works (including Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf), however, is generally not punishable.
In recent years, public debate has intensified around political expression concerning the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that Germany’s Staatsräson — the reason of state asserting a special responsibility toward Israel — has been used to justify restrictions on pro-Palestinian speech, activism, and academic expression, including by Jewish individuals critical of Israeli government policies.[2]
As of 2024, Germany is ranked 10th on the Press Freedom Index.[3]
- ^ "Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany". www.gesetze-im-internet.de. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ Grimm, J. (2024-04-18). "On Academic Integrity and Historic Responsibility: Shrinking Spaces for Critical Debate in Germany after October 7". Project on Middle East Political Science. Retrieved 2025-05-15.
- ^ "Reporters Without Borders". rsf.org. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
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