Guterres calls for action as hate speech spreads across new platforms online
Guterres calls for action as hate speech spreads online
Qinilo.com – Guterres calls for action as hate speech spreads across online platforms, algorithms and emerging artificial intelligence tools. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued the warning on Thursday while opening a global conference on interreligious and cultural dialogue at UN Headquarters in New York.
He said hateful narratives are gaining speed, reach and influence in digital spaces, creating risks for social trust, community relations and the safety of vulnerable groups. The problem, he stressed, extends beyond isolated rhetoric or familiar forms of discrimination.
“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,” he said.
Guterres said the consequences of hate speech have been seen throughout history and remain visible today. Preventing further harm requires more than condemning hatred after it has spread; it requires efforts to stop its circulation and confront the conditions that enable it.
Technology can amplify existing divisions
Digital platforms, automated systems and artificial intelligence do not create prejudice by themselves, but they can magnify it. Their speed and scale can help hostile messages reach wider audiences, target individuals or communities, and exploit social divisions.
Online hate can include abusive language directed at people, false claims portraying groups as threats, and narratives that make discrimination appear acceptable. Left unchallenged, these messages can erode confidence between communities, institutions and neighbours.
Guterres calls for action as hate speech becomes more visible across new technologies because its effects reach far beyond screens. It can undermine dignity, deepen mistrust and weaken acceptance, empathy, understanding and respect for diversity.
Rejecting religious and ethnic hatred
The UN chief warned against the growing tolerance and celebration of racism, misogyny and xenophobia, as well as antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, discrimination against minority Christian communities, and hostility toward other religious and ethnic groups.
He emphasized that the rights and safety of all communities are connected. Protecting one group cannot be separated from defending others, while interreligious dialogue and cultural exchange can challenge stereotypes and show that diversity is a strength rather than a threat.
“We must raise our collective voice and reject hatred. And we must redouble our efforts to tackle hate speech, online and offline,” he said.
Guterres urged countries, cultures and religions to strengthen dialogue based on equality and respect. He described this engagement as a practical way to reduce fear, counter harmful assumptions and help people address differences without violence.
Freedom of expression and preventing harm
The Secretary-General also addressed the balance between safeguarding free expression and responding to harmful speech. He said action against hate speech should not be used to silence legitimate opinion or restrict open debate.
“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.”
His message was that free expression carries responsibility in both public life and online spaces. A credible response should preserve discussion while recognizing the damage caused when speech dehumanizes people, encourages hostility or contributes to violence.
Frequently asked questions
What did Guterres call for?
Guterres called for a stronger collective response to hate speech online and offline, including action by governments, technology companies, civil society and communities.
Why is online hate speech a growing concern?
Digital platforms, algorithms and artificial intelligence can increase the speed, reach and targeting of hateful messages, making existing divisions harder to contain.
Does tackling hate speech mean limiting free expression?
No. Guterres said countering hate speech should not extinguish freedom of expression, but free expression should not be used as an excuse to cause or compound harm.