German Mayors Face Fake Profiles and Harassment on Social Media
In Germany, the use of social media by mayors is widespread, with 54% employing it for communication. However, the rise of fake profiles, hate speech, and harassment poses significant challenges, as seen in cases involving several mayors.
A survey by the University of Public Administration in Kehl revealed that only 54% of mayors use social media. While it's crucial for quickly disseminating information, it also exposes them to risks. Several mayors, including Martin Aßmuth, Günter Pfundstein, Dijana Opitz, Sven Müller, and Stefan Hattenbach, have fallen victim to fake profiles.
The motives behind these fake profiles remain unclear, but they could potentially be used for fraud or political manipulation. Often, these profiles can be identified by a low number of followers or slight alterations in the registered name. Some mayors, like Markus Ibert and Matthias Bauernfeind, have reported attempts to promote insurance or financial services through these fake accounts.
Despite these challenges, mayors like Matthias Bauernfeind still find the benefits of social media outweigh the negatives. When fake profiles are discovered, they can be reported to platform providers for blocking. However, new ones can still be created. The police in Offenburg have not yet investigated any cases of fake mayoral profiles, indicating a need for increased vigilance and potential regulation.
With 54% of mayors using social media, it's clear that it's an essential tool for communication. However, the prevalence of fake profiles, hate speech, and harassment underscores the need for better protection and regulation. Mayors must remain vigilant, and authorities should work together to combat this growing issue.
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