• Bavaria proposes mandatory use of real names on social media
• The plan aims to curb hate speech

The Minister of Digital Affairs in the German state of Bavaria, Fabian Merling, proposed a plan requiring social media users to post their content under their real names, in a step aimed at reducing hate speech and aggressive behavior online.

Merling explained, according to a local newspaper, that hiding one’s identity online often enables some people to abuse, threaten, or spread hate without taking any responsibility.

He said: "The right to freedom of expression does not include the right to hide one’s identity; the user must be responsible for their statements whether online or offline."

The minister added that these measures will help "civilize" digital discussions and improve the quality of public dialogue, emphasizing that the goal is not to restrict freedom of expression, but to create a healthy digital environment that prevents hate speech from hiding behind anonymous accounts.

The initiative received support from Andreas Voßkuhle, former president of the German Constitutional Court.