How to respond to online hate speech?

Hateful, racist, homophobic... comments on the internet: you've probably come across them. Many people try to simply ignore these messages but actually, it’s better to take action. By tackling hate speech together, hate does not become normalised. How should you respond to it? Here’s what you need to know.

Anyone who creates a profile on social networks formally agrees to the terms of use of the social network (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok or X).

The social networks have a commitment to remove posts that violate their terms of use. Unfortunately, this does not happen automatically. So, it’s important that you report hateful or discriminatory posts. Based on your report, the social networks may decide to take posts offline or even temporarily or permanently block a profile.

How do you report hate speech?

Each platform has its own way of reporting:

Ask the page administrator or moderator to remove the post

Most pages, for example Facebook pages for newspapers, have a moderator who keeps an eye on things.
The administrator is responsible for what is posted on the page and therefore also for the comments on the page.
The administrator can take posts offline and can give users a warning or block their access.

Are you reading hateful or discriminatory posts? Then contact the administrator and ask for them to be removed. What if you receive no response? Then report the post to Unia. If legal action can be taken against the post then, Unia can intervene.

Respond to hate speech

Even if you are not personally the victim of hate messages, you can do something about them. For example, make it clear that you do not agree with a post or status update. These tips can help you:

Rather than attacking the author, denounce the content of the statement.
Refute false truths where possible using factual evidence. Refer to reliable sources.
Express your disbelief and disgust, but don't start a ping-pong discussion or smear campaign in which insults fly back and forth.
Be aware that some messages are sent out into the world to provoke. So don't be tempted to let your emotions get the better of you. Keep calm and make a factual statement.

Respond in a way that makes you feel good. Would you rather not respond directly to hate speech? Then you can send positive or nuanced stories yourself into the world via social networks on the same topic or about the group being attacked. This is a subtle way of countering hate messages.

Do you manage or moderate a group or page?

As a moderator or administrator of a page, account or group on social media, you are responsible for moderating comments and reactions. The law prohibits creating a discussion space (such as a Facebook group) that serves to spread hate speech.

5 tips for moderators on social media

Take inspiration from the Tools for social media managers (an initiative of Hier Niet - only french or dutch).
Decide on a moderation policy and post it on your page/account. Read Unia's Facebook house rules.
Delete or hide hateful comments.
Like the constructive and positive posts, this will give them more visibility.
Block people who repeatedly break the rules of your policy.

Report hate speech to Unia

You can report hate speech to Unia using the reporting form:

We encourage you to forward a link to the message and a screenshot of the message.
We will investigate whether the statements fall under the legal provisions of free speech. Does it constitute criminal hate speech? If so, we may take further action.

Report hate speech

What is hate speech?

Hate speech consists of statements that attack or insult a person or group. Such statements are punishable by law if they exceed the legal limits of freedom of speech.

What does Unia do against online hate speech?

At Unia, we combat criminal hate speech in a variety of ways for the protected features for which we have jurisdiction. Find out more details about our approach to hate speech.