author: Bart Swiatek
Valve Removed Profiles With Nazi-related Phrases and Symbols
Valve Software has removed dozens of profiles and images containing Nazi words and symbols. The measures were taken after notification by the German Media Authority of Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, as using Nazi-related symbols and terminology in punishable by law in Germany.
As Gamesindustry.biz reports, Valve Software removed profiles, groups and illustrations that contained Nazi symbols from Steam. The group decided to do so after notification from the German Media Authority of Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein (also known as the MA HSH group), which pointed out about thirty accounts and fifty cases of 'violation of law'. (we can assume that it is about entries or illustrations). After looking into the case, Valve removed the vast majority of reported cases.
Deleted profiles, groups and contents contained numerous Nazi symbols and phrases such as "Führer" and "Holocaust". It is worth noting that in Germany it is illegal to use such words in most cases, this can only be done in specific situations, e.g. in classes, lectures or satirical works. It should also be noted that Valve's actions should not be seen only in terms of fighting hate speech. MA HSH representatives feared that platforms such as Steam could be used by extremists to spread propaganda and recruit new people.
In the past, Valve has been criticized many times for being too slow to combat hate speech on its platform.