Introduction to the Issue
Although the rapper, known as Kanye West, has been banned on most social media platforms, a provocative new single remains on the X platform, where he has millions of views. The latest track refers to the Nazi greeting "Heil Hitler," which was used while Adolf Hitler was in power. The artwork of the single is similar to a swastika, and the song ends with a long excerpt from a Hitler speech.
Background on West’s Ban
West was banned several times by X for anti-Semitic content and recently lost his contract with Adidas after publishing a series of anti-Semitic rants. After its publication, platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and Soundcloud banned the single due to its anti-Semitic content. Although the video is not said to have been uploaded to other platforms, his celebrity status has meant that the video has been shared by users on Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit.
Nazi Symbols in Germany
In Germany, the video of West cannot be seen directly on his X profile. The greeting "Heil Hitler" was used as an official greeting in Nazi Germany. The accompanying arm movement, which is stretched out with the right arm and the palm turned down, has its origins in ancient Rome and was later adopted by fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in the 1920s. Hitler made it a signature of the Nazi party, which ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945.
Legal Consequences in Germany
The public display or distribution of Nazi symbols and slogans, such as the arm gesture or the expression, became a criminal offense according to § 86a of the German Criminal Code. This law prohibits the use of symbols associated with "unconstitutional organizations," including those associated with the Nazi party, such as the swastika, SS Runen, the Nazi greeting, and slogans. The use of these symbols can be punished with up to three years in prison or a fine.
Comparison with the United States
In the United States, freedom of speech is heavily protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution, and this includes hate speech. Although it remains one of the most taboo gestures in the Western world, it is not illegal to carry out a Nazi greeting or wear a swastika in the United States. Since World War II, the greeting has often been used by neo-Nazis and white nationalists.
Lack of Regulation by Tech Companies
The latest video from Kanye West has triggered a new look at the content guidelines of large technology companies, particularly social media platforms. In view of the video, the Anti-Defamation League started a petition asking Facebook and Instagram to protect users earlier this year. Meta announced that they no longer use facts and have solved rules for hate speech and abuse in view of the "latest elections," a reference to Donald Trump’s presidential victory.
Conclusion
The lack of regulation by tech companies on hate speech and the use of Nazi symbols highlights the need for stricter guidelines and enforcement. The situation also underscores the differences in laws and regulations between countries, such as Germany and the United States, regarding freedom of speech and hate speech. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to address these issues to prevent the spread of hate and discrimination.
