Hate Speech

From the IFTAS Moderator Library, supporting Fediverse trust & safety

Updated on 2024-04-30

Definition

Abusive, hateful, or threatening content or conduct that expresses prejudice against a group or a person due to membership in a group, which may be based on legally protected characteristics, such as religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, gender identification, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

The resources below can help a moderator unfamiliar with a specific form of hate to learn how to identify hate speech. Suggest a new resource.

Hate Speech Law

Hate speech laws vary by country see Global Handbook on Hate Speech Laws. Of note, the German NetzDG law applies to entities with more than two million users, although the underlying criminal code remains applicable.

Canada

The Criminal Code is a federal statute passed by the Parliament of Canada, which has exclusive constitutional jurisdiction over the criminal law in Canada. There are three separate hate-related offences: advocating genocide, publicly inciting hatred likely to lead to a breach of the peace, and wilfully promoting hatred.

There are two important phrases which are used in the different provisions: “identifiable group” and “hate propaganda”. “Identifiable group” is defined as “any section of the public distinguished by colour, race, religion, ethnic origin or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or mental or physical disability.”

“Hate propaganda” is defined as “any writing, sign or visible representation that advocates or promotes genocide or the communication of which by any person would constitute an offence”

The Government of Canada introduced Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act (English, Français), on 26 February 2024. The Bill seeks to address certain harms that people see online through various public platforms.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom imposes a range of criminal prohibitions on hate speech. The Crime and Disorder Act, Public Order Act, Malicious Communications Act, and Communications Act prohibit speech that is derogatory on grounds of race, ethnic origin and religious and sexual orientation. The Online Safety Act will add further restrictions and requirements.

United States

In the United States, many believe that the US Constitution First Amendment prohibits hate speech rules due to the freedom of speech requirement, however this applies only to government and public authorities. Private entities are free to prohibit hate speech, explicit content and other content, and are further protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

Anti-Hate Organisations and Resources

Ability

Discrimination and social prejudice against people with physical or mental disabilities.

Age

Ageism is a bias against, discrimination towards, or bullying of individuals and groups on the basis of their age.

Caste

Casteism refers to a system of social stratification and discrimination based on caste, which is particularly prevalent in certain parts of the world, most notably in India but also in other countries influenced by similar social structures. It involves treating people differently according to a traditional division of society into distinct social classes that are often determined by birth.

Gender

Transphobia and transmisia are when people have negative beliefs about what it means to be transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming. Transphobia may include attempting to remove trans people’s rights, misrepresenting trans people, targeted deadnaming and misgendering, and advocating for so-called “conversion therapy”.

Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on one’s sex or gender. Sexism can affect anyone, but primarily affects women and girls.

Religion, Race, and Ethnicity

Religious discrimination is unequal treatment of an individual or group based on their beliefs. Racism is discrimination and prejudice against people based on their race or ethnicity.

Sexual Orientation

Homophobia encompasses a range of negative attitudes and feelings toward homosexuality or people who identify or are perceived as being lesbian, gay or bisexual.

Example Rule

We do not allow content or behaviour that discriminates against race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity (including misgendering, deadnaming, or promotion of so-called “conversion therapy”), sex, sexual orientation, native language, age, ability, marital status, family status, caste, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, geographic location, or any other dimension of diversity. Xenophobia and/or violent nationalism, hate, hateful terms, symbols, imagery, and shorthand are strictly prohibited.

Discussion

Discuss this label in the Hate Speech forum.

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