WhatsApp, Discord Emerging as Extremist Recruitment Hubs — Investigation Reveals Far-Right Rhetoric Online

A recent investigation has uncovered how far-right German-language rappers are exploiting social media platforms such as TikTok, WhatsApp, and Discord to spread extremist ideologies and recruit followers. The probe, conducted by AFP, highlights the growing use of encrypted and interactive platforms to bypass hate speech regulations and foster radical communities.

One of the central figures is Julian Fritsch, known by his stage name MaKss Damage, whose videos have featured antisemitic lyrics and imagery. In one TikTok post, he referenced the war in Gaza while invoking Adolf Hitler, morphing his face into a demonic silhouette and displaying symbols associated with far-right extremism. The video also included references to conspiracy theories surrounding the September 11 attacks.

TikTok removed Fritsch’s accounts following inquiries from AFP, though it declined to comment on enforcement specifics. German authorities have identified him as a right-wing extremist, and he has been linked to the far-right political group The Third Way.

Germany has seen a rise in politically motivated crimes, including antisemitic offenses, amid growing support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Experts say the online neo-Nazi music scene has become increasingly radical, with performers like Fritsch and E.Mar using platforms to share content that challenges immigration policies and glorifies nationalist sentiment.

E.Mar, another rapper with a sizable following on Spotify and TikTok, has released tracks criticizing Germany’s immigration stance, often appearing in videos wearing a skull mask and German flag-themed clothing. His lyrics include calls to resist current political systems, and his content has gained traction across multiple streaming services.

While platforms like Spotify claim to remove content that promotes violent extremism, some material remains accessible if it doesn’t explicitly incite violence. Earlier this year, several platforms scrambled to remove a track titled “Heil Hitler” by US rapper Kanye West, though copies continue to circulate online.

Researchers warn that TikTok’s live video feature creates an intimate setting that can facilitate extremist recruitment. Viewers are often directed to less regulated platforms like Telegram and Discord, where content moderation is minimal. These spaces allow creators to interact directly with followers, share alternative accounts, and evade detection.

Social media analysts note that these communities are agile, frequently shifting between accounts and using coded symbols—such as emojis—to signal far-right affiliations while avoiding bans. Despite platform efforts, many users return quickly after being blocked, sustaining a cycle of radical content distribution.

The investigation underscores the challenges facing tech companies and regulators in curbing online extremism, especially as far-right networks adapt to digital environments that offer both reach and concealment.