In recent years, Germany's political landscape has been significantly impacted by the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. This development has posed challenges for traditional media and established political parties in their efforts to counter the spread of far-right ideologies online.
The AfD, founded in 2013 as a Eurosceptic party, has evolved into a far-right and nationalist organization according to political scientists. Its success on TikTok has been particularly notable, with several party figures amassing substantial followings. For instance, Maximilian Krah, an AfD Member of the European Parliament, has over 60,000 followers on the platform.
The party's social media strategy has yielded significant results. Approximately one year ago, the AfD became the first far-right party to win a state election in Germany since World War II, securing nearly a third of the vote in Thuringia. This victory was largely attributed to strong support from young voters, with 38% of those aged 18-24 in the region backing the party.
"We have to talk about remigration. Those who don't agree with our values must leave our country."
This statement exemplifies the controversial nature of AfD's messaging, which often employs "dog whistle" tactics - using coded language that appears innocent to the general public but carries specific meaning for targeted groups.
The success of the AfD on platforms like TikTok has raised concerns about the spread of extremist views online. Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has designated far-right extremism as the most significant threat to German society. Several states have classified the AfD as an extremist organization, placing it under observation.
In response to these challenges, Germany introduced a network enforcement act in 2017, requiring tech companies to remove hate speech or face substantial fines. However, this legislation has faced opposition from free speech advocates, and its implementation has proven complex.
The rise of the AfD on social media has sparked debate within German political circles about how best to address the issue. Some argue for ignoring the party to deny it attention, while others advocate for direct engagement to counter its narratives. Traditional parties like the CDU and SPD are now considering increasing their presence on platforms such as TikTok to provide alternative viewpoints.
As Germany grapples with these challenges, it is clear that the political landscape is evolving rapidly in the digital age. The success of the AfD on TikTok serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping public opinion and the need for established institutions to adapt to this new reality.