UN Chief Calls for Action as Digital Hate Tech Outpaces Global Regulation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for concerted action by governments, technology companies, and civil society to stamp out hate speech, emphasizing that “its toxic message is spreading fast and striking deep.”
Opening a Global Conference
The UN chief spoke at the opening of a global conference on promoting interreligious and cultural dialogue held at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday. He stated:
"In its worst forms, hate speech incites violence, drives conflict, and contributes to the perpetration of atrocity crimes – including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and ethnic cleansing."
Historical and Present Context
Although the UN has worked hard to promote tolerance and peace, Guterres noted that “hate speech has always worked against this vision.” He added:
"And today, its toxic message is spreading fast and striking deep. Taking on new forms. Finding new pathways. And weaponizing new technologies, from digital platforms and algorithms to Artificial Intelligence."
Impact of Hate Speech
The growing reach of hate speech, according to the Secretary-General, tests our shared humanity by:
- Eroding trust
- Dividing communities
- Dehumanizing entire groups
- Attacking and weakening acceptance, empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity.
Root Causes and Drivers
Guterres highlighted the normalization of racism, misogyny, and xenophobia, while antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, discrimination against minority Christian communities, and hatred of other religious and ethnic groups are also becoming commonplace. He called for:
"Raising our collective voice and rejecting hatred. And we must redouble our efforts to tackle hate speech, online and offline."
Addressing Root Causes
The Secretary-General stressed the need to address the root causes, drivers, and consequences by strengthening inclusive dialogue among nations, cultures, and religions grounded in respect and equity. He reminded that:
"Reining in hate speech does not mean extinguishing freedom of expression, but freedom of expression must never be an excuse for causing or compounding harm."
Existing Initiatives
Guterres pointed to two UN initiatives aimed at combating hate speech: the Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and the Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites. However, he emphasized that:
"We cannot conquer hate speech on our own. Governments, regional and multilateral organizations, the private sector, and civil society – including faith communities, academia, and the media – have a shared responsibility to help build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies."