Guterres calls for action as hate speech spreads across new platforms online

The UN Secretary-General has called for concerted action by governments, technology companies and civil society to stamp out hate speech, emphasizing that “its toxic message is spreading fast and striking deep”. António Guterres was speaking at the opening of a global conference on promoting interreligious and cultural dialogue held at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday.“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. “We have seen it happen before and we see it happening now. And we cannot let it continue.” ‘Weaponising new technology’The Secretary-General quoted from the UN Charter which commits the world’s people to “practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours”. Although the Organization has pushed hard to fulfill that pledge, “hate speech has always worked against this vision,” he told participants. “And today, its toxic message is spreading fast and striking deep,” he said. "Taking on new forms. Finding new pathways. And weaponising new technologies, from digital platforms...