The former President of the German Federal Constitutional Court, Andreas Voßkuhle, has ignited a debate with a call for mandatory real-name verification online, sparking concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for stifling political dissent. Voßkuhle, speaking to the Tagesspiegel newspaper, argued that requiring users to disclose their identities online would “rationalize the discourse culture” and “detoxify public discussions”. He expressed deep concern about the escalating “brutalization” of online interactions, deeming it unsustainable for German society.
While acknowledging the practical and legal challenges of implementing such a system – and conceding it wouldn’t be “easy” – Voßkuhle insisted a real-name policy would be “constitutionally permissible”. Crucially, he emphasized the necessity of a well-defined justification for its implementation and stressed the continued need for individuals to criticize government actions without fear of personal repercussions. He cautioned that any such policy must safeguard the right to free speech.
Voßkuhle’s proposal stems from his observation of a societal paradox: a desire for strong leadership coupled with the hyper-scrutiny of political statements, often amplified online and presented as crises. This environment, he contends, cultivates a “permanently agitated” and “somewhat disoriented” populace, undermining genuine dialogue and reasoned debate. As the head of the “Against Forgetting – For Democracy” association and having served as President of the Federal Constitutional Court from 2010 to 2020, Voßkuhle carries significant weight in German legal and political circles.
The proposal is already drawing sharp criticism from civil liberties advocates who fear it could disproportionately impact vulnerable groups and stifle dissenting voices. Critics question whether a real-name policy would genuinely curb online aggression or simply drive it underground, potentially making it harder to track and address. Furthermore, concerns remain about the feasibility of enforcing such a system and the potential for government overreach in monitoring online activity. The debate highlights a growing tension within Germany – and across Europe – regarding how to balance the need for online civility with the preservation of fundamental democratic freedoms.