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Germany's Real-Name Online Proposal Gains Support, Faces Legal Pushback

The argument now centers on identity mandates versus enforcing existing platform rules to curb online hate.

Overview

  • Former Constitutional Court president Andreas Voßkuhle proposed requiring users to post under their real names to temper online discourse.
  • Bavaria’s Digital Minister Fabian Mehring backed a Klarnamenpflicht, saying anonymity is not intrinsic to free speech and that offenders must be traceable.
  • Berlin Justice Senator Felor Badenberg called for a results‑open discussion and stronger identification tools for authorities, while no bill has been introduced.
  • Legal and civil liberties commentators warn a blanket anonymity ban could breach constitutional protections and cite South Korea’s struck‑down real‑name regime.
  • Reader voices and advocates caution such rules would endanger vulnerable users and urge tougher enforcement of platform duties under the EU Digital Services Act.