Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence

The devastating effect of hatred is nothing new, but its scale and impact have grown with new communication technologies, making hate speech a frequent tool for spreading divisive ideologies globally. If left unchecked, hate speech undermines peace and development by fueling conflicts and human rights violations. The United Nations has long mobilized efforts against hatred to defend human rights and promote the rule of law, recognizing hate speech’s impact across areas such as peacebuilding, gender equality, and youth support.

The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech defines hate speech as communication that attacks or discriminates against individuals or groups based on identity factors like religion, ethnicity, or gender, though a universal legal definition is still under discussion. Despite challenges posed by online hate speech, governments, civil society, and individuals continue to develop strategies to combat it effectively.

The Plan of Action highlights the vital role of partnerships involving tech and social media companies, particularly the use of AI, in addressing hate speech. While AI offers valuable tools for early warning and conflict prevention, it also presents risks if not governed by human rights safeguards. In response, Member States have prioritized AI governance through the Global Digital Compact and recommitted to countering hate speech online.

Background

In July 2021, the UN General Assembly highlighted global concerns over “the exponential spread and proliferation of hate speech” around the world and adopted a resolution on “promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech”.

The resolution recognizes the need to counter discrimination, xenophobia and hate speech and calls on all relevant actors, including States, to increase their efforts to address this phenomenon, in line with international human rights law.

The resolution proclaimed 18 June as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, building on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech launched on 18 June 2019.

To observe the Day, the United Nations invites governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and individuals to hold events and initiatives promoting strategies to identify, address and counter hate speech. This first UN system-wide initiative designed to tackle hate speech provides an essential framework for how the Organization can support and complement States' efforts.

Whether as Member States the private sector, the media and internet corporations, faith leaders, educators, actors of civil society, those affected by hate speech, youth, or simply as an individual, we all have the moral duty of speaking out firmly against instances of hate speech and play a crucial role to in countering this scourge.

Why tackle hate speech?

Since the spread of hateful rhetoric can be an early warning of violence – including atrocity crimes – limiting hate speech could contribute to mitigating its impact.

Standing up to hate speech online

Children are using technology more than ever, which means they may see or experience hurtful words online. This makes them more likely to be affected by online bullying, and with the growing use of AI, the problem can grow even bigger. It’s not always easy to tell when something is hate speech, especially on the internet, and seeing mean or hateful comments can feel scary or confusing. Be kind—both in person and online. You can take a stand, and you can make a difference.

Read more about the #NoToHate campaign. This link contains school-aged-appropriate materials about hate speech and how children can stand up for themselves and their friends.