In 2024, the eco Complaints Office team examined a total of 25,893 reports of potentially criminal or youth protection-related Internet content. As in previous years, sexualised violence against children and young people accounted for the largest share of reports, making up around 82%.
The Annual Report of the eco Complaints Office 2024 shows that in 42% of all reported cases, a legal violation was confirmed. In 99% of the cases reported to the Complaints Office, the content was removed.
The reports received regularly reflect the issues that are perceived by society as particularly concerning. Fluctuations in the number of reports regarding individual phenomenon areas are not unusual. Given the topics that were the subject of intense societal debate last year, it is hardly surprising that reports of potentially anti-constitutional content increased significantly – from 590 cases in 2023 to 1,828 reports in 2024. However, increased sensitivity among the population as well as the complex legal situation – particularly in view of the high value placed on freedom of expression – meant that the Complaints Office was only able to confirm a legal violation in a very small proportion of cases (around 1%).
The reporting year also shows that, in addition to the established areas of concern, issues such as disinformation, propaganda strategies and deepfakes are becoming increasingly important for the work of the Complaints Office. Here, too, the eco Complaints Office emphasises the importance of precise legal classification, strong international cooperation and the continuous promotion of media literacy – for children, young people and adults alike.
