Germany Issues 23,000 Takedown Requests for Islamist Content in 2025

Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office, known as the BKA, reported a significant increase in the number of Islamist posts flagged online in 2025. The government revealed that approximately 23,000 takedown requests were sent to service providers, marking a stark rise from previous years. In the five years leading up to 2025, annual requests fluctuated between 7,240 and 13,903.

The takedown requests serve as notifications to online platforms, alerting them to violations of their own terms and conditions and prompting the removal of the content. Notably, the rate of successful removals improved, with 96% of flagged Islamist posts taken down in 2025. This increase is up from around 90% in 2024 and approximately 80% in 2023.

Formal Removal Orders and Coordination Efforts

In addition to the takedown requests, authorities issued 215 formal removal orders under an EU regulation when terrorist content was identified. These orders require service providers to delete the specified material within one hour or block access across the European Union. The government confirmed that all removal orders issued in 2025 were successfully implemented.

In 2024, 462 removal orders were sent to service providers within the EU, with a compliance rate of around 96%. The Joint Internet Centre (GIZ), established in 2007, plays a crucial role in coordinating the detection of extremist content online and assessing potential threats. The GIZ includes participation from both the BKA and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

While the responsibility for removing illegal content largely falls to Germany’s federal states, the federal government provides necessary support. The BKA has a specific mandate when dealing with cases involving terrorist material. The recent surge in takedown requests is attributed to a heightened focus on individual users and the monitoring of content such as nasheeds. Traditionally, nasheeds are religious hymns, but they can also contain elements of Islamist propaganda or incitements to violence.

The BKA’s proactive approach reflects a growing commitment to combating online extremism and enhancing public safety. As the landscape of online content continues to evolve, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to tackle the challenges posed by extremist material.