Social media takes on racism

Germany’s justice minister has vowed to work with Facebook to thwart racist and hate posts, acting on worries about a rise of xenophobic comments in German on social media linked to Europe’s refugee crisis.

Germany is expecting a record-breaking influx of refugees this year and politicians and celebrities have voiced concern about the rise of anti-foreigner comments in German on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Chancellor Angela Merkel last week urged Facebook to do more and the social media company met Justice Minister Heiko Maas at his suggestion.