Online Hate Speech

Hate speech can be defined as an attack using any form of communication targeting a person or people because of a group they belong to -- race, gender, religion, ability, sexual orientation, etc.

Unfortunately, instances of online hate speech are on the increase. In 2022, an evaluation by the European Commission found that the main companies serving the online space (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) are finding in increasing difficult to review and remove content which is defined as hate speech from their platforms. This is in part due to the sheer volume of online hate speech.     

The relationship between hate speech and freedom of speech is an issue which is debated, in the media, academia and by society more generally. 

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, states that:

“Addressing hate speech does not mean limiting or prohibiting freedom of speech. It means keeping hate speech from escalating into something more dangerous, particularly incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence, which is prohibited under international law.”

www.civilrights.org provide guidance on how online hate speech can be tackled. They suggest:

• Hold platforms accountable for hate speech. Report tweets, YouTube videos, Instagram posts, Facebook posts, and other speech that spreads hate to the platforms that are hosting it and demand action. If given the opportunity, be specific about what you find offensive and why.

• Raise awareness of the problem. Talk to your friends and family about why hate speech is not a problem just for the internet, but our societies and culture at large.

• Support people who are targets of hate speech. Fight back against harmful messages in public places by publicly standing with victims and showing solidarity.

• Boost positive messages of tolerance. Part of modeling what we don’t want to see is modeling what we do want to see.

• Notify organizations fighting hate about the worst instances you see. Tracking hate, where it’s coming from, and who it’s directed at is an important part of fighting it.