⚡️🇩🇪🇪🇺 NEW - Study exposes how a large state-funded "Censorship Network" steers the online debate in Germany, endangering freedom of expression in Europe's largest economy.

Andrew Lowenthal, director of liber-net, highlighted in a new extensive research how state-funded NGOs influence digital discourse in Germany, endangering free speech.

His research exposes a giant "censorship network" comprising over 330 organizations, including state media outlets like Deutsche Welle, funded to censor the online content of German citizens and media organizations.

Government funding has surged since 2016, especially after events considered threats to democracy, prompting a push against "fake news."

Lowenthal warns that many "fact-checkers" lack objectivity, often aligning with governmental views.

He critiques the Network Enforcement Act and Digital Services Act for constraining freedom of expression. The increasing censorship fosters public distrust in institutions, deepening societal polarization.

Lowenthal advocates reduced funding for content-control NGOs and greater responsibility for journalists in "fact-checking."