Germany HateAid bosses: "We will not be intimidated"
The directors of HateAid, a German counseling center against hate on the Internet, reject the US accusations of censorship. "Our work has nothing to do with censorship. On the contrary, we are committed to ensuring that the applicable laws are implemented on the Internet and that people can express themselves freely within the framework of these laws," Josephine Ballon, one of the two directors, told Der Spiegel.
24.12.2025, 21:11
SDA
The US government had imposed entry bans on her, co-managing director Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and three other Europeans, citing alleged censorship of US online platforms as the reason.
HateAid offers psychological and legal support for people who are discriminated against, insulted, threatened or attacked online. In October, von Hodenberg was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for her work. At the time, she was said to have done pioneering work with the founding of HateAid in 2018.
No fear of big tech platforms
The entry ban shows that HateAid has "hit a nerve" with its work, said von Hodenberg. This is about the powerful economic interests of the platforms, which would cost a lot of money if the EU legislation were implemented consistently. "And a US government that relies on the internet to intimidate political opponents. With our work for human rights, we oppose this and are not afraid to take on the big tech platforms - in court and in supporting the supervisory authorities."
Regarding the practical consequences of the US decision, von Hodenberg said that she and Ballon, and possibly their families, would no longer be allowed to enter the country. "In addition, we are currently checking whether HateAid's bank accounts are secure and of course we fear that US service providers will block us. We are preparing for the worst."
Ballon emphasized: "We will not be intimidated." At the same time, she fears that other organizations will have to expect corresponding US reactions. "Unfortunately, we have to assume that we were the first, but not the last."
