Publications
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Online Incitement
Dr Yvette Alt Miller has written an excellent article arguing that “Social media has become a new frontline in the war on terror”. She holds a B.A. from Harvard University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Jewish Studies from Oxford University, and a PhD In International Relations from the London School of Economic. Her article looks at…
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Report “EVOLVEFEST 2016” Event Page as Homophobic & Antisemitic
Sometimes hate can come from unexpected quarters. In this briefing we discuss the event page for “Evolvefest 2016” [Facebook ID# 1476856122592092] on Facebook being hosted by a supposed new-age, spiritual group. The new world spirituality is just a front for promoting a hippy version of Christianity. In itself, that is not a problem. Unfortunately, they…
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Terrorist attack in Jakarta, Indonesia
A major terrorist attack is taking place in Jakarta, Indonesia. No doubt, it will be used by far-right groups to foment fear and anti-Muslim hate in Australia. We advice everyone to remain vigilant against such hate speech on social media platforms. If you encounter it, report it to the platform and to our independent online hate reporting…
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Confirmation bias on social media confirmed
Social media companies often counter the criticism that their platforms are being used to spread hate speech by showing how they also provide a platform for counter-speech. Thus, by providing a space for all kinds of voices, ideas and opinions, they allow a dialogue to flourish. Unfortunately, a new study by led by Michela Del Vicario of Italy’s Laboratory…
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Report anti-Muslim video “WE’RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT (islam)” on YouTube
One of the most virulent forms of anti-Muslim hate speech is one which presents Muslims as inherently violent or equate all Muslims to terrorists. It is aimed at instilling fear of all Muslims living in our midst, and thereby, create an atmosphere where we strip them of their right to a life without discrimination and dignity.…
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Report Hate against Indigenous Australians on Twitter
Hate against Indigenous Australians is rife on Twitter. Here we share some examples of abusive and hateful comments made against the Indigenous Australian communities. Under the garb of humour, they present Indigenous Australians as unintelligent, drunk and incite violence against them. We share the link below each example. Please report them to Twitter and to…
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Trusting social media companies on national security
Last Friday, the US government invited some of the largest tech companies in Silicon Valley to a closed-door meeting to discuss how to disrupt the online activities of terrorists, particularly by Daesh (Islamic State) terrorists. The companies that participated in the meeting included Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Microsoft, LinkedIn, YouTube, Yahoo, PayPal and more. A pre-meeting…
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Report Misogyny & Abuse on Twitter
Win! This account has since been suspended. Thanks to all who reported this account. This briefing highlights a misogynistic and abusive Twitter account. The Twitter account holder is directing highly abusive and misogynistic tweets at other women on Twitter, particularly those who identify as feminists. His tweets also speak of people with disabilities in an…
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Report antisemitic YouTube video “History of Multiculturalism”
It is heartbreaking to find classic racism and antisemitism on the Internet. Scholars around the world have written tomes battling racism from scientific, social, cultural and historical contexts, laws have been coded to expunge them from society, and community bodies have dedicated incredible time and effort around the world to combat them. Yet, we encounter YouTube…
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Charlie Hebdo, free speech and the right to human dignity
Today marks the anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, in which terrorists gunned down cartoonists of the incendiary French magazine Charlie Hebdo and later, ordinary Jews at a Jewish supermarket. A debate ensued around the world, including Australia, in the aftermath of the attacks on the limits of free speech and the role of religion in…