This session examined how hate speech is defined and regulated (ethically vs. legally) across different European countries, and how media literacy can support individuals in navigating the legal and ethical boundaries of digital expression and rights. Through cross-national comparisons and practical insights, it highlighted the evolving role of libraries and public institutions in fostering informed, rights-based digital citizenship.
Target group: Media literacy educators, librarians, human rights NGOs, civil society actors, media professionals, researchers, policy makers, fact-checkers, communication experts, legislators, broadcasters, public authorities, and private sector stakeholders.
Renato Sabbadini, Doctoral researcher at the Law, Science, Technology and Society (LSTS) research group and a member of the Health and Aging Law Lab (HALL), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Elena Haig, Legal and Policy Officer working on fundamental rights policy at DG JUST in the European Commission
Maja Zarić, Chair of the Council of Europe Steering Committee on Media and Freedom of Expression.
No PowerPoint presentation.
Additional documents:
Recording 🎥
External Links 🔗
ECLIPSE: https://www.eclipsehorizon.eu/
Digital Services Act (DSA): https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act
Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) and expert committees: https://www.coe.int/en/web/freedom-expression/cdmsi-and-expert-committees
Recommandation on Combating Hate Speech: https://www.coe.int/en/web/combating-hate-speech/recommendation-on-combating-hate-speech
CDMSI Resources: https://www.coe.int/en/web/combating-hate-speech/resources
Overall Commission response to hate offenses: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/racism-and-xenophobia/no-place-hate-europe-united-against-hatred_en
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