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Hate Crimes, Hate Symbols, Electronic Hate
Hate on the Internet / Electronic Hate
Summary of Policy and Recommendations
- Web sites, social networking sites, “Web 2.0” user-generated content, and other computer and cell phone based information technologies are all used to support, enhance, and finance the deadly work of anti-Semites, extremists and terrorists.
- The proliferation of “cyberbullying” requires concrete action. Every educational institution should adopt anti-bullying policies that include anti-cyberbullying provisions.
- Internet providers and hosts of Web sites should be called upon to implement and uphold their Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policies that often include prohibitions against hateful materials.
- We must provide the tools and the leadership to make hate speech as socially unacceptable online as it is in the public square.
Background
The Anti-Defamation League is one of the leading organizations worldwide engaged in monitoring and countering hate on the Internet.
As the medium has evolved, new political, legal and social problems have arisen:
- The Internet has been exploited by extremists who have created attractive, well-designed Web sites specifically targeted to promote intolerance, racism, and anti-Semitism, in some cases directly focusing on reaching and recruiting children and teenagers.
- The Internet has become the new frontier in international hate, ensnaring both inexperienced and savvy visitors to the World Wide Web. When most people venture onto the Internet, especially young people, they likely do not expect to encounter a swastika, or calls to support known terrorist groups, or a burning cross. It is jarring and profoundly upsetting to go online and see such graphic examples of how hate has managed to migrate from leaflets on street corners to streaming audio/video, graphic photos on Web sites and hate-filled chat rooms.
- Taking advantage of the same recent developments in Web and cell technology that have fueled a new global revolution in communications, extremists and terrorists have become even more efficient. Web sites, social networking sites, “Web 2.0” user-generated content, and other computer and cell phone based information technologies are all used to support, enhance, and finance their deadly work.
- Hateful words on the Internet are not only spread by “professional haters”, but may also be spread among and between children. Not only is traditional school-yard bullying still an issue in our schools, but now “cyberbullying” has become an ever growing concern. Cyberbullying is ubiquitous - there is no refuge and victimization can be relentless. Yet, many adults are unaware of the problem. This proliferation of “cyberbullying” requires concrete action. Every educational institution should adopt anti-bullying policies, which include anti-cyberbullying provisions. Funding should be made available to educate children about the dangers of prejudice — and resources should be devoted to identifying and disseminating best practices in teaching Internet critical thinking skills for teachers, librarians, parents and students, including how to respond effectively and legally, and how to report instances of bullying.
Legislative, legal and financial responses to hate on the Internet must be studied. While the League has an abiding respect for free speech and the guarantees of the First Amendment, hate on the Internet need not entirely be unregulated, especially in the school context. Internet providers and hosts of Web sites should be called upon to implement and uphold their Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policies that often include prohibitions against hateful materials. We must also provide the tools and the leadership to make hate speech as socially unacceptable online as it is in the public square.
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