REspect! now "Trusted Flagger" - More impact against hate online

2025

REspect! now "Trusted Flagger" - More impact against hate online

More protection for young people online: Baden-Württemberg Youth Foundation’s “REspect! - against online hate speech” was certified as the first "Trusted Flagger" in Germany by the Federal Network Agency on 1 October. This means that if you report hate online, your report must now be checked by the platforms more quickly and with priority, and this can bring about real change.

What does "Trusted Flagger" mean?

REspect! has been active in the fight against hate speech, insults, anti-Semitism and digital hate speech since 2017. Now the work is being given even more leverage: platforms such as Instagram, TikTok & Co. have to process reports quickly - no more months of waiting. And every report is carefully scrutinised before it is even forwarded to platforms. Hate is not a "trivial offence"

The figures show that REspect! is needed:

Just under 10,000 reports were received in 2022, almost 25,000 in 2023, and over 32,000 in 2024, of which more than 11,200 were reported to the police.

The reports relate to content that is punishable under German law, such as swastikas, Hamas logos or Holocaust denial and incitement to violence. This shows that it is not about differences of opinion, but about clear boundaries.

What else does REspect! do?

In addition to the reporting portal, REspect! offers workshops and projects for young people on recognising hate speech, fact-checking and how to distinguish between freedom of speech and criminal content. The aim is to enable young people to participate safely and confidently in digital debates.

Contact: presse@meldestelle-respect.de