Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) reported a significant increase in the removal of Islamist content online, issuing approximately 23,000 takedown requests to service providers in 2025. This marks a dramatic rise compared to previous years, where annual requests fluctuated between 7,240 and 13,903 from 2020 to 2024. The increase in requests reflects a growing commitment to combat extremist content across digital platforms.
The takedown requests serve to notify online platforms of violations of their terms and conditions, urging them to eliminate the flagged material. In a positive development, the removal rate for such posts improved substantially. The German government reported that 96% of flagged Islamist content was removed in 2025, a notable increase from approximately 90% in 2024 and around 80% in 2023.
Formal Removal Orders and Coordination Efforts
In addition to regular takedown requests, formal removal orders were issued under an EU regulation aimed at expediting the removal of terrorist content. In 2025, authorities issued 215 such orders, all of which were executed as mandated. This contrasts with the 462 removal orders sent in 2024, which also had a compliance rate of approximately 96%.
The Joint Internet Centre (GIZ) plays a crucial role in these efforts, having been established in 2007 to coordinate the detection of extremist content and assess potential threats online. Participants in this initiative include the BKA and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. While the responsibility for removing illegal content primarily lies with Germany’s federal states, the federal government provides essential support in these operations.
The rise in takedown requests is attributed to a heightened focus on individual users within Germany, as well as a particular emphasis on content such as nasheeds. Traditionally, nasheeds are religious hymns but have increasingly been utilized to disseminate Islamist propaganda or incite violence.
The BKA’s proactive stance on tackling terrorist material aligns with broader efforts across Europe to combat online extremism. As authorities continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of digital threats, the data from 2025 reflects a significant advancement in the effectiveness of online content moderation in Germany.
