The best way to curb social media hate speech – don’t fuel the fire

Chow Kum Hor says a focus on punitive measures to stop hate speech has not been successful, and instead, we should learn from the war against illegal wildlife trade by cutting off demand – in this case, starving offenders of attention

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Thousands of protesters march in Boston in August against a planned “Free Speech Rally” one week after the violent “Unite the Right” rally in Virginia left one woman dead and dozens more injured. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:14pm, 30 Nov 2017Updated: 7:05pm, 30 Nov 2017

Crusaders against hate speech on social media should look to the war against illegal wildlife trade for inspiration. Early efforts to stamp out poaching focused on stiff penalties for those behind the supply chain, such as the killers and corrupt border patrol officials. This had limited success. Bribery and legal loopholes allowed the trade to slip past regulators.

The tide turned when activists focused on demand. Around the world, campaigns educated people about animal rights and long-held myths, such as the “medicinal” value of animal organs. A tagline, “When the buying stops, the killing can too”, caught on. Demand, then supply, fell.

If this experience is anything to go by, supply-side restrictions alone don’t work. So far, little attention has been given to tackling hate speech from the receiving end. This explains why we keep fighting a losing battle.

Supporters of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany block the entrance to a property which was used by a German political art group to built a pared-down version of Berlin's Holocaust memorial next to the home of AFD senior member Bjoern Hoecke, in Bornhagen, Germany, on November 22. In January, Hoecke criticised the memorial in the centre of Berlin and said history should focus on German victims. Photo: Reuters

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We are still stuck thinking that anything offensive or illegal ought to be speedily swept away. Governments have ramped up efforts to keep the lid on hate speech. In October, Germany introduced strict laws to fine internet companies which fail to remove content like Holocaust denial or racism. Internet firms face fines of up to US$50 million. At best, Germany’s cyberlaw is like trying to clap with one hand.