Americans Shocked by '60 Minutes' Report on German Speech Policing

A 60 Minutes segment on Germany's approach to policing online speech has ignited fierce debate on both sides of the Atlantic after it aired in the U.S. on Sunday. Critics have called the country's laws "Orwellian," while defenders insist they are necessary to prevent hate-fueled violence.

The CBS News piece showcased how German authorities crack down on online speech deemed harmful or offensive under the country's stringent speech laws. The report documented early-morning police raids targeting individuals suspected of posting content that could incite hatred, including insults and even memes.

The debate over Germany's online speech laws gained traction in the U.S. after Vice President JD Vance, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, accused European nations of suppressing free speech and marginalizing right-wing parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD).