Where Is the Future, Anna-Lena von Hodenberg? A Conversation With the Co-Founder and Managing Director of HateAid

Our digital public sphere is under enormous strain: hate and targeted intimidation online are shifting the boundaries of what can be said, poisoning debates – and no longer affecting only “public figures”, but also local politicians, journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens. At the same time, expectations of the state and platforms are rising: what is already illegal today? And why does it so often feel as if there are no consequences? Between heated debates on freedom of expression and “censorship,” it is decided in everyday life if those affected actually receive protection from the police, public prosecutors, and courts.In this edition of „Where is the Future?“, Publix director Maria Exner talks to Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, managing director and co-founder of HateAid. HateAid supports victims of digital violence with advice and by financing legal costs and campaigns for the enforcement of rights on the internet – in Germany and Europe. The stakes are now so high that they extend far beyond the German debate: in December 2025, the US State Department imposed an entry ban on the two HateAid managing directors, Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon. This was an attempt at intimidation in the context of the transatlantic conflict over European platform regulation, in particular the Digital Services Act.

What does this mean for the regulation of social media in Europe and for its enforcement?

Where do we stand in the fight against digital violence: what works, what fails, and why?

And how big is the influence of the US on European legislation, platform compliance, and the scope for action of civil society?

A conversation about how democratic societies can make their digital spaces more people-friendly and democracy-friendly – and protect them from manipulation and hate without playing fundamental rights off against each other. Together, we will chart the way forward – with plenty of time for questions from the audience.

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