A significant decline in data provision from X (formerly Twitter), now owned by Elon Musk, is severely impeding German law enforcement’s ability to investigate hate crimes, according to a recent internal assessment by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). The BKA’s Central Office for the Investigation of Online Criminal Content (ZMI) has reported a dramatic drop in the responsiveness of X, raising critical questions about the platform’s commitment to cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
Previously, in 2024, X routinely provided requested data in over 80% of cases involving suspected violations of German law, from incitement to hatred and politician defamation to the endorsement of criminal acts and the dissemination of symbols associated with unconstitutional organizations. However, data released from April 10th to May 21st, 2025, reveals that only approximately one-third of requests are now being fulfilled.
This reduction has led the BKA to conclude that X is actively obstructing their investigative efforts. Without access to user data, investigations are frequently being discontinued due to the inability to identify potential suspects, effectively shielding perpetrators from accountability. The 700 inquiries assessed in the BKA’s report specifically relate to posts flagged as potentially illegal and requiring further examination.
The assessment comes amid growing international scrutiny of X’s operational changes since Musk’s acquisition. The platform initially failed to respond to inquiries regarding the data slowdown, demonstrating a concerning lack of transparency. Experts warn that X’s diminished cooperation poses a significant challenge to Germany’s efforts to tackle online hate speech and related criminal activity, potentially undermining the rule of law and fostering a climate of impunity for those engaging in illegal online behaviour. The BKA’s findings are expected to fuel debate regarding the legal frameworks and responsibilities of social media platforms operating within Germany and internationally.
