Germany Increases 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 takedown requests for Islamist content in 2025. The country issued approximately 23,000 requests to online service providers, a sharp rise compared to previous years, according to a government response reviewed by the German news agency dpa. In the five years leading up to this year, annual requests fluctuated between 7,240 and 13,903.

These requests serve to inform platforms of violations of their own terms and conditions, prompting them to remove the flagged material. The rate of content removal has notably improved, with the government reporting that 96% of identified Islamist posts were taken down in 2025. This marks an increase from around 90% in 2024 and approximately 80% in 2023.

Formal Removal Orders and Coordination Efforts

In addition to the informal requests, formal removal orders are issued under an European Union regulation when terrorist content is detected. Providers are required to delete such material within one hour or block access within the EU. In 2025, authorities issued 215 formal removal orders, all of which were successfully executed. In comparison, 462 removal orders were issued in 2024, with a compliance rate of around 96%.

The Joint Internet Centre (GIZ), established in 2007, plays a crucial role in coordinating the identification of extremist content online and assessing potential threats. Key participants in this initiative include the BKA and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. While the responsibility for removing illegal content falls to Germany’s federal states, the federal government can offer support in these efforts. The BKA retains its own mandate for cases involving terrorist material.

The increase in removal requests is attributed to a heightened focus on individual users within Germany, as well as on content related to nasheeds. Traditionally religious hymns, nasheeds can also convey Islamist propaganda or incite violence.

This upsurge in action against extremist content underscores Germany’s commitment to addressing the evolving digital landscape and its potential threats. As the government continues to strengthen its online monitoring and response mechanisms, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.