Censorship in Germany

Censorship in Germany has taken many forms during the history of the region. Various regimes have restricted the press, cinema, and other entertainment venues. In modern Germany, the Grundgesetz guarantees freedom of press, speech, and opinion. Censorship is mainly exerted in the form of restriction of access to certain media (motion pictures, video games) to older adolescents or adults only. Furthermore, the publication of works violating the rights of the individual or those considered to be capable of inciting popular hatred (Volksverhetzung) may be prohibited. Possession of such works (including Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf), however, is generally not punishable. With one exception 2006, Germany has been consistently rated among the 20 most free countries on the Press Freedom Index.

Censorship in Germany

Censorship in Germany has taken many forms during the history of the region. Various regimes have restricted the press, cinema, and other entertainment venues. In modern Germany, the Grundgesetz guarantees freedom of press, speech, and opinion. Censorship is mainly exerted in the form of restriction of access to certain media (motion pictures, video games) to older adolescents or adults only. Furthermore, the publication of works violating the rights of the individual or those considered to be capable of inciting popular hatred (Volksverhetzung) may be prohibited. Possession of such works (including Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf), however, is generally not punishable. With one exception 2006, Germany has been consistently rated among the 20 most free countries on the Press Freedom Index.