German authorities have taken strong action against the spread of extremist content by ordering internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the websites of Al Manar TV, a Lebanese broadcaster with ties to Hezbollah. The German youth protection media commission KJM, citing concerns over anti-democratic and antisemitic propaganda, initiated the ban.
Dr. Tobias Schmid, European Affairs Commissioner of the German media authorities and Director of the media authority of federal state North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasized the imperative to uphold Germany’s democratic principles. “Freedom of speech ends where it is abused to violate human dignity and undermine the values of our free, democratic society,” Schmid stated. Al Manar TV’s content, including calls for the destruction of Israel and the justification of terrorist acts, is considered to be in violation of German law.
Dr. Marc Jan Eumann, Chairman of KJM, highlighted specific violations: “Al Manar uses symbols of unconstitutional organisations, denies Israel’s right to exist, and creates enemy images, all of which are prohibited under German law.” While the German Federal Ministry of the Interior banned Al Manar’s activities in 2008, its online presence persisted. This latest action underscores the need for updated regulations to effectively address digital content.
KJM suggests a revision of the media state treaty to grant media regulation bodies more direct authority in cases involving federal bans. The order, issued under Germany’s Interstate Treaty for the Protection of Minors (JMStV) and the Media State Treaty (MStV), mandates ISPs to block access to Al Manar’s websites, encompassing text articles, on-demand videos, and live streams.
Eumann concluded, “With these blocking orders, we demonstrate our commitment to acting against threats to democracy. Now, it is up to the telecommunications companies to remove this propaganda channel from the internet.” The blocking order represents a significant step in Germany's ongoing effort to combat online extremism.