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Show Politics and Government Publications

Americans Shocked by '60 Minutes' Report on German Free Speech Policing

The article from Newsweek discusses the reaction of Americans to a "60 Minutes" report on Germany's stringent free speech laws, particularly focusing on the policing of online hate speech. The report highlighted how Germany's NetzDG law requires social media companies to remove hate speech within 24 hours or face hefty fines, leading to concerns about freedom of expression. Americans expressed shock and concern over what they perceive as government overreach into speech rights, with some drawing parallels to Orwellian surveillance. The piece notes the cultural and legal differences between the U.S., where free speech is broadly protected under the First Amendment, and Germany, where there is a strong emphasis on preventing hate speech due to historical reasons, including the Holocaust. Critics argue that this approach might stifle legitimate debate and lead to self-censorship, while supporters believe it's necessary to maintain social harmony and prevent the spread of harmful ideologies.

Read the Full Newsweek Article at:
[ https://www.newsweek.com/americans-shocked-60-minutes-report-german-free-speech-policing-2032241 ]