Discussions and websites are brimming with anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, and personal attacks; such web content has become so common that hardly anyone pays attention. Actions to develop and supplement the HateStop campaign are a response to the issue of online hate speech.
The project purpose was to engage civic energy against hate speech symptoms in all areas of public life (online in particular) by designing mechanisms facilitating their easy and effective prevention in public space.
Former activities were expanded to include hate speech prevention on the web. The “Great FB Cleanup” Facebook profile and fanpage enabled the removal of more than 300 pages containing hate speech. A monitoring exercise resulted in the removal of 6,500 similar posts and comments.
The website was expanded to include new functionalities, allowing for 2,300 of web content reports via dedicated forms and social media. Educational activities included 11 workshops with an activity of painting over hateful slogans (121 participants); 2 media campaigns were held (#ryjkuzniara and #kazdymaswojryj). Ten films, 15 infographics, and 2 cartoons were produced. Thirty-three meetings with content administrators and decision-makers were held to showcase action serving the purpose of greater efficiency in reacting to hate speech appearing on portals. One hundred and fifty cases were filed with prosecutors. Recommendations of changes to Polish legislation were drafted. Two manuals for hate speech victims and witnesses were published; a “Preventing Hate” educational material for teachers was developed. A network of 50 volunteers, 8 local co-ordinators, and 10 partners to prevent online hate speech was created.
Two campaigns reached over 14 million recipients. Workshop follow-up painting-over campaigns were attended by 121 persons. Educational materials were issued to 600 teachers and pedagogues.
The LSW Law Office (partner organisation) supported legal action by engaging in legal analysis and case handling.