Human rights context in Germany

Germany is often regarded as a leader in democracy and human rights protection within the European Union. However, racism and discrimination against marginalised communities, including Roma, remain persistent issues. A rise in far-right rhetoric, increasing hate speech online, and challenges in law enforcement against digital discrimination have raised concerns among human rights organisations. Reports from the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and German civil society groups indicate that antigypsyism continues to be widespread, both online and offline.

TAAO project: Monitoring antigypsyist hate speech in Germany

Between October and December 2024, Amaro Drom e.V. monitored 114 cases of antigypsyist hate speech online as part of the TAAO project. The study analysed the spread of hate speech across different platforms, the dominant narratives used against Roma, and how social media companies responded to reports.

Where is antigypsyist hate speech most prevalent?

The report found that antigypsyist content appeared most frequently on:

• TikTok – 34 cases, making it the most problematic platform.
• YouTube – 23 cases, including content from public figures and media outlets.
• Facebook – 14 cases from private and online media accounts.
• Twitter (X) – 11 cases, including posts from public figures.
• Instagram – 6 cases from private accounts and influencers.
• Other online sources – 21 cases, including German-language news websites spreading antigypsyist narratives.

The high concentration of hate speech on TikTok and YouTube suggests that video-based content plays a major role in the dissemination of antigypsyist narratives in Germany.

Key narratives in German online antigypsyism

The 114 recorded cases of hate speech in Germany followed several dominant themes:

• Criminalisation of Roma – 58 cases falsely linking Roma to crime.
• Welfare and social benefits – 37 cases accusing Roma of exploiting welfare systems.
• Education and schooling – 44 cases targeting Roma children and their presence in schools.
• Health and sanitation – 47 cases portraying Roma as a public health risk.
• Political representation – 40 cases attacking Roma involvement in politics.

These narratives contribute to social exclusion and institutional discrimination against Roma communities in Germany.

Hate speech intensity and forms

The analysis found that most recorded cases contained explicit hate speech, including:

• Crude epithets: 36 cases, with 27 being extremely strong.
• Dehumanising language: 45 cases, including comparisons to animals and parasites.
• Mockery and sarcasm: 41 cases, ridiculing Roma culture and identity.
• Appeals to violence: 60 cases, including direct calls for harm.

Additionally, coded hate speech—which disguises antigypsyist sentiment through humour, irony, or pseudo-science—was found in:

• Pseudo-scientific references: 49 cases (e.g., genetics-based discrimination).
• White supremacy rhetoric: 45 cases, reinforcing racial superiority narratives.
• Ambiguous language and irony: 44 cases, making moderation more difficult.

These aggressive and coded forms of racism contribute to a hostile digital environment for Roma communities.

Platform inaction: Reports ignored or dismissed

Despite the severe nature of antigypsyist hate speech, social media companies failed to act in most cases:

• Only 61 out of 114 cases were reported.
• Instagram and YouTube removed zero reported cases.
• Facebook took down just one case after reporting.

A monitor working on the project described their frustration:

"We reported multiple posts that clearly violated community standards, but most were ignored. The platforms claim to fight hate speech, but their inaction tells a different story."

Counter-speech and community resistance

Although hate speech is widespread, some users engaged in counter-speech to challenge antigypsyist narratives:

• 14 cases involved users challenging hate speech directly.
• 52 cases saw users exposing racist rhetoric, but this rarely led to content removal.
• Only 17 cases were reported to civil society organisations or authorities, reflecting low trust in institutional responses.

Conclusion: Urgent reforms needed

The TAAO project's findings in Germany confirm that antigypsyist hate speech is widespread, severe, and largely ignored by social media platforms. The criminalisation of Roma, racialised narratives about welfare, and calls for violence continue to circulate with little accountability.

To address this issue, the following actions are necessary:

• Social media companies must enforce their own policies and remove antigypsyist content.
• German authorities must strengthen hate speech laws to hold platforms accountable.
• Public awareness campaigns must counteract online antigypsyist narratives.

Without stronger action, antigypsyism in Germany's digital space will continue to grow, further harming Roma communities.