While social media is frequently used to engage and encourage people, it has also been extensively utilized to disseminate hate speech. Discriminatory acts and hateful rhetoric are used today all across the world to stigmatize and demonize those who are seen as the “other,” the “foreigner,” or the “one who does not belong.” Such manifestations of hatred and bigotry are permeating political agendas and discourses, pervading everyday life and instilling dread among people and communities. Asia consists of a diverse group of countries, each having its own unique legal, political, and cultural history. This diversity can operate as stimulants for the propagation of hate speech, triggering hate speech for ethnic and religious groups, foreign nationals and refugees, political ideology and values, and sexual minorities.
This book adopts a multi-dimensional, multi-sectoral, and multi-stakeholder approach to provide a historical context, outlines new forms of hate speech, and maps the legal and non-legal measures in the region. It also highlights the obligations of governments and the role of technology companies, NGOs, and activists. Covering topics such as human rights, hate speech, and digital literacy, this book is ideal for professionals and researchers working in the field of information and knowledge management in various disciplines.