Everything in Moderation: The Unintended Consequences of Regulating Hate Speech

The Human Rights Initiative of CSIS invites you to a public event, “Everything in Moderation: The Unintended Consequences of Regulating Hate Speech.”

Over the past year, the topic of what speech should be permitted online has been heavily debated. Attacks on ethnic minorities, harassment of female journalists, and the recent live-streamed terrorist attack in New Zealand have led to calls in the US and globally to impose penalties on technology companies that fail to take down harmful content. For instance, recent EU and Australian proposals threaten severe fines or even jail time if content is not removed rapidly.

The event will explore the double-edged sword of regulating speech online. For instance, efforts to minimize hate speech and discrimination online may accidentally limit the free expression of civil society actors. Striking the right balance is essential, but challenging.

The event will explore how different companies regulate online speech and varied perspectives on whether and when tech companies should be liable for online speech. It will seek to identify paths forward that protect human rights and society.