The approach taken to address hate speech need to be sensitive to the type of hate speech and its context. In line with UN Rabat plan of action there is agreement Hate Speech can fall in one of three categories:
- Hate Speech that is illegal in line with international standards
- “Hate speech” that is not illegal but harmful to specific groups and individuals based on protected characteristics.
- “Hate speech” that is not harmful to a specific group but undesirable in a democratic society
The Council of Europe therefore promotes a comprehensive approach to combating Hate Speech, including in the online environment.
1. Preventive measures:
Education of all members of society & media literacy in the digital environment is key; Use of Counter narratives important, but our discourse needs to be made more accessible for the common people in the daily life. Challenge because the polarization of everything: the counter-narratives, social justice vs. the “more normal people”; People migrate to marginalized smaller platforms limiting their exposure to different points of view to avoid radicalization
2. Self- and Co-regulatory to content moderation:
Regulation must differentiate between legal, illegal, and harmful speech. Mere deletion without prosecution is a problem. National task force against hate speech (involving social networks, internet associations and CSOs), and regulation has improves content moderation practice, but has its limitations.
3. Implementation of national criminal and admin legislation covering Hate Speech online:
Internet Service Providers cooperation with law Enforcement is essential for both sides but requires clear rules and clarity on how they should be applied. But regional or even world wide streamlining of regulations and definitions is needed.