UN Chief Warns Hate Speech Fuels Violence, Calls for Stronger Action in Digital Age

UN Chief António Guterres warned that hate speech remains a major driver of violence, conflict and atrocity crimes, calling for stronger efforts by governments, technology companies and civil society to combat its spread, particularly online.

In a message marking the fifth International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Guterres said hate speech is often the first step toward dehumanization and is increasingly being used to target vulnerable groups in many countries.

"Hate speech is the first step down the path of dehumanization, a path that leads all too frequently to violence, conflict and atrocity crimes," Guterres said. "It is a tool of division targeting specific groups, often for political gain."

The U.N. chief warned that the rapid growth of digital platforms and advances in artificial intelligence have accelerated the spread of harmful content, allowing hate speech to reach wider audiences at unprecedented speed.

He said algorithms on some online platforms often reward divisive and inflammatory content, encouraging the spread of misinformation and promoting hostility in pursuit of greater engagement.

"Too many algorithms reward outrage and division, incentivizing lies for likes and promoting violence for views," Guterres said, adding that online anonymity can make it more difficult to hold perpetrators accountable.

The secretary-general called for practical measures to address the problem, including education programs that help people recognize and reject hate speech, stronger support for victims of online abuse and more effective action by governments and technology companies.

He stressed that states have obligations under international law to combat incitement to hatred while promoting inclusion, diversity and social cohesion.

At the same time, Guterres said freedom of expression should not be used to justify harmful or discriminatory messages.

He pointed to the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and the Global Principles for Information Integrity as key frameworks for creating a safer and more ethical digital environment.

"Let us reject prejudice in all its forms, and work together to build a world based on human rights, dignity and respect," Guterres said.