Tackling Online Hate and Extremism 2025
Information and guidance for tackling online hate in an age of racist rioting, mainstream misogyny and backtracking on equality, diversity and inclusion
Since 2023, when CRER last issued guidance on online hate (following the enactment of Scotland’s new hate crime legislation), there have been major shifts in how governments and social media companies are recognising and approaching their responsibilities to protect people and communities.
On one hand, there has been notable legislative progress with the enactment of the Online Safety Act 2023. However, there have also also been major setbacks, particularly regarding how some of the largest social media companies are addressing misinformation, online hate and other harmful content on their platforms.
As a result, many feel that our policy and legislation are struggling to keep up with the ever-changing nature of online hate and the growing risks of online extremism being fuelled by rising populism and inflammatory ‘culture wars’. This was emphasised by the events that unfolded across England and Wales during the summer of 2024, with social media playing a crucial role in inciting what became some of the most severe levels of prejudice-based and far-right violence seen in the UK for decades. The fear and destruction caused by this inexcusable violence highlighted exactly why tackling divisive narratives and harmful information is so important.
Alarms have also been raised by countless parents, educators and campaigners about the concerning spread of ideologies linked to misogyny and violence against women and girls. Much of this can be attributed to the influence of harmful online personalities like Andrew Tate and online subcultures rooted in prejudice and opposition to social justice.
Within this context, CRER updated their guidance to better reflect the current landscape of online hate and more effectively prepare readers for the challenges at hand and those on the horizon.
The hope is that this resource provides you with the tools and knowledge to understand what online hate and extremism are, the challenges in tackling them and what you can do to help safeguard against their harmful effects.