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.
- New rules for online services: what you need to know (Ofcom)
- Online Safety Act: Everything you need to know
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
- Canadian Anti-Hate Network
- Change the Terms
- Dangerous Speech Project
- Southern Poverty Law Center (US)
- Stop Hate UK
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.
- https://www.ageism.org/
- https://leadingage.org/topic/ageism/
- Global Campaign to Combat Ageism (WHO) – Toolkit (Français, Русский, Español)
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.
- https://dsnuk.org/caste-discrimination/
- Caste Discrimination (Human Rights Watch)
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.
- Stop Sexism (COE)
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.
- 10 signs of casual racism
- Islamophobia Toolkit
- Hate Symbols Database: This database provides an overview of many of the symbols most frequently used by a variety of white supremacist groups and movements, as well as some other types of hate groups.
- Hinduphobia and Anti-Hindu Hate Glossary
- Translate Hate glossary: glossary of antisemitic tropes, words, and symbols.
- Understanding racism and how to spot it
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.
- LGBTQIA+ Terminology (UCSF)
- Social Media Safety Index (GLAAD)
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.
