Under the innocuous-looking sub-heading titled “Strengthening media diversity — safeguarding freedom of opinion,” the new German coalition contract conceals what George Orwell would recognize as classic doublespeak. The section “Dealing with disinformation” reads:
“Targeted influence on elections and by now commonplace disinformation and fake news are serious threats to our democracy, its institutions and social cohesion. The deliberate dissemination of false factual claims is not covered by freedom of expression. That is why the media supervisory authority, which is independent of the state, must be able to take action against the manipulation of information, hate-mongering and agitation while safeguarding freedom of expression—on the basis of clear legal requirements … We will ensure that online platforms fulfil their obligations with regard to transparency and cooperation with the supervisory authority.”
