While social media is frequently used to engage and encourage people, it has also been extensively utilised to disseminate hate speech. Discriminatory acts and hateful rhetoric are used today all across the world to stigmatise and demonise 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. In some cases, they may also foster an atmosphere of rejection, exclusion, and even racism, endangering peace, societal values, and respect for human dignity.
Asia consists of a diverse group of countries, each having its own unique legal, political, geographical, economic, cultural, social, and religious history. This diversity can operate as a stimulant for the propagation of hate speech, triggering four potential types of hate speech for 1) ethnic and religious groups; 2) foreign nationals and refugees; 3) political ideology and values; and 4) sexual minorities.
Asian nations that are still getting used to the virality of online information are ill-prepared to regulate or control their media ecosystems. Examples from around the continent that have emerged in recent years highlight how online hate speech goes beyond hurtful content to potentially result in physical violence and socio-religious disharmony. However, the fast rise of online hate speech in Asia cannot be attributed merely to legal problems and non-compliance with international human rights norms, but rather to a combination of causes involving all stakeholders, including governments, technology corporations, and civil society.
The book will adopt a multi-dimensional, multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach to provide the historical context, outlines new forms of hate speech and maps the legal and non-legal measures in the region. It will also highlight the obligations of governments, and the role of technology companies, NGOs and activists.