According to a survey by Allensbach, nearly 80 percent of Germans do not feel comfortable expressing their opinions openly on certain topics. This is because it is becoming increasingly common for people to be pushed out of their jobs, disinvited from events, or even physically attacked due to their views. Panel discussions, readings, and seminars have to be canceled or interrupted because radical groups riot or threaten to cause trouble. Publishers are pressured not to release books or to sever ties with authors. Everyone knows the topics that require caution. Almost anything can become a potential trap, including silly jokes, thoughtless likes, private contacts with unpopular individuals, and even factually presented criticism of government policy.

For several months now, this exclusion and silencing has mostly become controversial, but legally.