Initiative warns against radicalization and abuse of the culture of remembrance
A recent analysis by the “AI for Democracy” initiative shows how extremist and right-wing populist networks in the digital space are deliberately exploiting migration policy issues to spread disinformation and exacerbate social tensions. Particularly alarming is the ideological proximity of some posts to historical Nazi crimes, especially in connection with the Auschwitz concentration camp.
In an analysis of more than 30,000 online content items from the first 100 days of 2025, the “AI for Democracy” initiative identified a cluster of posts linking migration policy debates surrounding border controls, rejection, and deportation regulations with terms and comparisons from the Nazi era. For example, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp is being used as a trigger for disinformation about migration in Germany. Such references not only trivialize Nazi crimes but also undermine an objective debate about migration and asylum.
“Our analyses demonstrate how radicalized parts of the digital discourse have become. The deliberate linking of current political issues with Nazi comparisons is not only ignorant of history and tasteless, but also dangerous for social cohesion and democratic coexistence,” says Jörg Forthmann of “AI for Democracy.”
AI against digital hate speech and disinformation
Especially against the backdrop of growing online disinformation, the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining importance. “AI for Democracy” uses AI-supported methods to make right-wing extremist networks, their themes, and their dissemination mechanisms visible. The goal is to expose their disinformation strategies and protect democratic discourse.
The increasing use of AI technology by digital disinformation actors requires decisive countermeasures. At the same time, AI also offers the potential to promote fact-based information, detect manipulation, and create transparency in the digital space.
Contribution to safeguarding democracy
The initiative’s work contributes to strengthening democratic values, protecting the culture of remembrance, and preventing the misuse of historical comparisons for political incitement. Only through education, media literacy, and technological innovation can a resilient democracy survive in a digitalized society.