Legal Definition of Hate Speech
Any form of expression that incites violence, discrimination or hostility against individuals or groups based on their identity:
Key Elements: Hate speech must include incitement or call to violence/discrimination, not just expression of opposing opinion.
When is content considered a crime?
Content is evaluated in context, based on its nature, intent, and potential impact.
Clear Crime
- •Direct threat of violence
- •Explicit call for violence
- •Incitement to genocide
- •Malicious doxxing
- •Justifying hate crimes
Grey Area
- •Harsh mockery
- •Negative generalizations
- •Spreading rumors
- •Dehumanizing language
- •Controversial content
Not a Crime
- •Criticism of ideas
- •Policy criticism
- •Academic discussion
- •Sarcasm without incitement
- •Opposing opinions
Important Note
Context matters.
What do we legally monitor?
We focus our legal monitoring on content that exceeds the limits of opinion and expression, and constitutes an actual danger or direct incitement against individuals or groups, including:
- ✓Explicit or implicit calls for extermination or collective violence
- ✓Systematic incitement to harm a specific group
- ✓Spreading intentional misinformation to cause harm or incitement
- ✓Serious threats targeting people or groups based on their identity
These cases are evaluated according to context, apparent intent, and likelihood of harm.
What is not subject to legal follow-up?
The following cases do not fall within the initiative's legal monitoring scope:
- ✗Personal disputes or individual conflicts not related to hate speech
- ✗Individual insults or abuse that do not involve incitement or threats
- ✗Non-public content or private messages posing no public danger
- ✗Reports lacking evidence, a reliable link, or clear context
In these cases, reporting via platforms or seeking non-legal avenues may be advised.
Hate Speech vs. Freedom of Expression
We believe that protecting freedom of expression is a fundamental condition for any democratic society, but it is not absolute when it turns into a tool for harm or incitement.
Protected Freedom of Expression
Includes, but is not limited to:
- Objective criticism of ideas, beliefs, or ideologies
- Expressing opposing political or social opinions
- Constructive critique of public policies and practices
- Non-offensive satire and humor
- Academic, research, and professional media discussion
Hate Speech (Unprotected)
Includes content that:
- Incites violence against a specific group
- Calls for discrimination or exclusion based on identity
- Defames a group or dehumanizes them
- Contains direct or indirect threats
- Uses false information to incite hostility or hatred
The Fine LineFreedom of expression ends when incitement to hatred or violence begins. You can criticize ideas and policies, but incitement against people or groups based on their identity is not permissible.