Global Law on Online Hate Speech Content

Global internet law is evolving and fragmenting.

Where it was once defined by the US model of limited liability, countries are independently pursuing a new model of enhanced moderation obligations based on Germany's Network Enforcement Act (2017). Liabilities are also changing with many governments creating stiff financial penalties for platforms who fail to comply. Not only are these directed at the platforms, but these new actions can result in a loss of market access, and in some cases criminal convictions for company officials.

As global regulation changes, policy teams seeking to navigate these unsettled waters must react quickly. This report provides Trust & Safety teams with the overview of the relevant pieces of legislation that impact the handling of hate speech content online.

In this downloadable, the second in our series we summarize and provide links to the relevant laws related to hate speech in over 70 countries. The laws are effective May 2022. 

*The report is meant as an informational tool. It is not legal advice.