Free Speech, Hate Speech, and Social Media – What is Lawful, What is Appropriate, and What is Not?

This course will explore the balance between the right to freedom of speech and other rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the context of the use and abuse of social media.

Objectives

For learners to understand the significance of this issue, particularly in the context of Hate Crime legislation, and have an awareness that the exercise of our freedoms carries both responsibilities and potential consequences for communities and individuals.

Learners will

Understand how the right to free speech is refined and restricted by other duties, responsibilities, and legislative and contractual obligations
Understand how opinions, attitudes and prejudice are influenced and shaped by unconscious bias, media bias, fake news, etc.
Understand definitions of ‘Hate Crime’, ‘Protected Characteristics’, and ‘Hate Speech’ as they relate to the online space.
Understand the impact of Hate Crime / Hate Speech upon individuals and communities
Understand the consequences of Hate Crime for the offender (including, sentence uplift and examples of prosecutions)
Be able to identify appropriate responses to Hate Speech encountered online, via reporting, counter-messaging, counter-narrative, blocking, etc.
Know where to seek further appropriate advice, support, and guidance

Course audience

General

Duration

1.5 - 2 hours

Method of Delivery

Delivered online on Microsoft Teams

Delivery Approach

This course is developed and presented by our team members who are experienced in the field of Hate Crime and the Online Space.

The session includes small-group discussion, presentation of statistics and research relating to Hate Crime and Racism, and scenario-based learning as well as an opportunity to ask questions for follow-up either within the session or afterwards.

Free Speech and Social Media - What is Lawful and What is Not?