Gov't urged to define policies to eradicate hate speech

A working group has proposed that an action plan against hate speech be drawn up, a centre of expertise be established, and the relevant legislation be amended.

Hate speech has harmful consequences not only for the victim but also for democratic society as a whole, the rule of law, and freedom of expression, said a government press release.

Hate speech is such a serious problem that the Government must define policies for its eradication.

"Hate speech is fuelled by the social, societal and cultural reality that we live in. It is closely connected with the technical means available, especially the internet and social media. Essentially, tackling hate speech is a question of defending human dignity," said Archbishop Emeritus Kari Mäkinen, chair of the working group.

The independent expert working group appointed by the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education and Culture included representatives from the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Council for Mass Media, the Helsinki Police Department, the Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations, and the Union of Local Youth Councils in Finland, among others.

Several researchers also participated in the work of the working group.