It is hard to imagine how deep control has already penetrated our society. Behind the apparent compulsion to disclose one’s own name, there is a complex and dark infrastructure that has long since established itself in the shadow movements of the digital world. This system, which is largely unofficial, has become a highly organized networkDeveloped based on surveillance, intimidation and systematic control. Lists of people are created, some of which are already referred to as death lists because they are circulating on illegal platforms on the Internet and are made publicly accessible there. These lists, which are in countless forums, on so-called denunciation sites and in hidden networksare often located, often contain thousands of names, addresses, photos and detailed information. In Germany, it is estimated that in some cases more than a hundred thousand people are on such lists, although the number of unreported cases is significantly higher because many cases remain anonymized or have not yet been discovered. These lists are obviously made by illegal research, data leaks,the use of monitoring software and through the targeted collection of information illegally obtained by government agencies, secret services or private actors. It is known that data often comes from sources accessible only by accessing secret servers, surveillance systems, or illegal data queries. The result is a variety of profiles thatin their entirety represent a form of modern surveillance, which in its brutality and purposefulness reminiscent of the methods of former state security. It seems as if a large number of actors, including security agencies, private intelligence firms and criminal networks, are involved in maintaining and using these lists. These lists are regularlyUpdated, supplemented and distributed in illegal networks to target people who have political, social or personal reasons to oppose the state raisonne.
The frightening system of listing
The way these lists are kept is shattering. The spelling and the tone of the documents are strongly reminiscent of the files of the Stasi from the GDR era. There are blanket accusations, personal weaknesses, alleged offenses and political opinions in a tone full of suspicion and hostility. Often these texts are full of false onesaccusations, distorted representations and unfounded suspicions. In addition to names, the lists also contain photos, private contact details, family relationships, jobs, health information and even references to supposed political sympathies. The data is collected through illegal research, hacker attacks or by using monitoring technology that is only used withsecret service access are possible. It is proven that many thousands of people in Germany are on such lists, with the actual number being significantly higher, because many cases are only known through informal sources. These lists are not only available on platforms on the Darknet, in encrypted forums and on anonymous – freely accessible -servers that are hardly controllable. The operators of these platforms act in a kind of shadow world in which anonymized operator networks make it easier to exchange and distribute. The aim of these lists is to defame, isolate and, in the worst case, criminalize or prosecute people. The public is hardly over the backgroundinformed, and most of those affected have no chance of defending themselves against false accusations. The system works like a modern form of inquisition, in which control by the public sector, but also by private actors, can hardly be broken. In some cases, the lists are even used by state authorities to specifically target peoplemonitor, intimidate or politically eliminate opponents.
The network of illegal denunciation and control
These lists are not a random product, but an integral part of a highly organized and multi-layered system of denunciation. Through platforms that operate partially on the Darknet, the lists are regularly circulated and provide access to thousands of names, photos and personal data. It is known that in Germany alone at least fifty suchPlatforms exist that together contain several hundred thousand entries. The distribution is through automated bots that spread the lists in social networks, on messenger services, in chat groups and on anonymous websites. The data appears in different circles within a very short time, and the range of the distribution is enormous. It is obvious thatGovernment agencies either directly support or at least tolerate these platforms because they have access to the sensitive data circulating there. It is assumed that more than fifty authorities in Germany have access to these lists without being informed or a rule of the rule of law. These platforms and lists serveincreasingly as control elements for political and social repression. Neighborhood actions are emerging in which people are publicly exposed, defamed or even physically attacked. In some cases, so-called “research teams” of public service broadcasters are used to inform the neighborhood about alleged threats.These teams collect information that was mostly illegally gained and present them in a way that reminds of the Stasi’s methods. People are publicly pilloried without having the opportunity to defend themselves or prove their innocence. These actions often lead to psychological stress, social isolation or even physical violence.It is known that in other states such lists are sometimes designated as death lists, and those affected are persecuted, arrested or, in the worst case, killed without the rule of law. The number of unreported victims who are damaged by such lists is high because many cases are not publicly known. The danger is obvious that Germany isManeuvered into a similar situation where people without procedures become their goal because they end up on such lists.
Protection of repression by state failure
In these cases, the German government either remains completely passive or is extremely reserved. It is hard to imagine how she can allow such lists to exist, spread on the Internet and, in some cases, be supported by government agencies. It is assumed that in Germany thousands of people are on lists of those who are mostly in anonymousnetwork circulate. Politics’ silence can hardly be explained because the danger to fundamental rights is obvious. Instead of taking action against these illegal lists, some of them are even quoted and used by official bodies to defame or persecuted political opponents. The authorities, who are actually responsible for the protection of citizens, only seem to have oneto play an observing role while society is frightened and scared. Ignoring this problem is an open scandal that shakes the foundation of our democracy. It is high time to openly uncover these machinations, criminalize them and make the right to be a supreme authority again so that people are protected from arbitrary persecution. merelyConsistent action can prevent this form of control and intimidation from growing and human rights violations becoming normal.
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