In its updated report on antisemitism in Germany, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution warns against antisemitic images generated by artificial intelligence (AI) .
They represent a new development, especially in the right-wing extremist scene, the report says.
The images have the potential to appeal to many people because they appear modern and attractive. The problematic nature of the images and the targeted manipulation are not always apparent at first glance, the report continues
The report emphasizes that the digital space has become increasingly important for the spread of antismitic ideas in recent years.
The report addresses antisemitism within the contexts of Islamism, foreign-related extremism, right-wing extremism, “Reichsbürger” and “Selbstverwalter” movements, “delegitimization of the state relevant to the protection of the constitution,” and left-wing extremism.
Over the past two years, two events have notably increased the visibility of antisemitism: the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2020 and the escalation of the Middle East conflict, particularly the Gaza war following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.
During the pandemic, antisemitic conspiracy theories spread more broadly, reaching beyond extremist circles. With the outbreak of the Gaza war and the subsequent demonstrations, it became evident that extremists, previously more reserved about expressing antisemitic views, were now doing so openly.
Extremists across the spectrum are exploiting the Middle East conflict, using antisemitism to further their agendas. This serves as a unifying element, even among mixed groups and across ideological boundaries.
