NetzDG 2017–2024: Germany’s deletion-mandate experiment
In 2017 Germany taught platforms to delete faster. In 2024 the EU DSA replaced it — with a mixed record: more transparency, but the core critique (platform censorship without court rulings) persists.
Summary
The Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG, in force 1 January 2017) threatened platforms with fines up to €50M for not deleting “manifestly unlawful” content within 24 hours. Critique: overblocking (platforms delete too much rather than risk fines), no independent review of deletion decisions, and authoritarian imitators citing it. Since 17 February 2024 the EU Digital Services Act replaces its core provisions for large platforms. HateAid’s verdict: “mixed balance” — the DSA adds transparency reports and complaint systems, but platform moderation without court orders remains.
Debunking
False: “The NetzDG eliminated hate speech.” — No measurement shows that. What was measured: platforms built deletion teams and err toward more deletion. Whether the “right” content is hit was never independently reviewed.