Newsroom
Cyberviolence Resource tool on domestic legislation on cyberviolence worldwide was launched
Under the Cyberviolence Resource a new web page on domestic legislation on cyberviolence was launched. This webpage gathers over 1600 entries reflecting responses to a questionnaire adopted by the Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY) during its 32nd Plenary meeting and shared with members and...
Young Europeans debate the future of democracy at the Council of Europe
Is online hate speech the biggest threat to youth democracy?
The hemicycle of the Council of Europe has just witnessed a remarkable debate – “Is online hate speech Europe’s biggest threat to youth’s involvement in democracy?” – which points to new ideas about how we can approach democracy’s challenges. An audience of more than 400 – including the...
“Hate speech must be met with the law” – Alain Berset
Secretary General Alain Berset has spoken on how Europe needs to act to combat hate speech as part of the Council of Europe marking of the International Day for countering hate speech (18 June 2026). His comments came during the plenary session of the No Hate Speech Week and Democracy Hackathon...
PACE Rapporteur hails the power of partnerships in countering hate speech
On the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June), Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on Combating Racism and Intolerance, made the following statement: “Hate speech remains a serious threat to equality, inclusion and, ultimately, to democracy...
Among priorities for ECRI are criminal-justice resources
Council of Europe body calls for stronger action against hate speech and discrimination in Albania
The European Commission against racism and intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe published its seventh monitoring cycle report on Albania today, prepared following a visit to the country from 16 to 20 June 2025. The report acknowledges several positive steps taken by the authorities,...
Hack the hate, renew democracy!
Council of Europe Hackathon and No Hate Speech Week seek technological solutions to online hate speech
From 17 to 19 June 2026 innovators, activists, civil society and policy-makers will gather in Strasbourg for the second edition of the Council of Europe Democracy Hackathon and the third edition of the No Hate Speech Week to co-design tools that fight hate speech offline and online. Held jointly...
From standards to action: making accountability for technology-facilitated violence against women and girls a reality
On 10 June 2026, the Council of Europe launched a new recommendation aiming at strengthening accountability for technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. Adopted by the Committee of Ministers in March, the recommendation was prepared by the Council of Europe’s Gender Equality...
Creating, altering and distributing AI-generated child sexual abuse material is criminalised under Council of Europe conventions
The Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY) and the Committee of the parties to the Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse have issued a joint statement following a session held on 2 June 2026 in Strasbourg addressing the growing...
1 June | International Day for the Protection of Children – Renewing our commitment in a digital world
On 1 June, countries worldwide mark the International Day for the Protection of Children, a timely occasion to strengthen our commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and wellbeing. This important occasion serves as a reminder that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and...
European law enforcement and prosecutors met in Malta to develop a manual on effective investigation and prosecution of criminalised hate speech
Around 30 participants from law enforcement and prosecutors across different European countries attended a two-day workshop in Malta to start developing a practical manual on effective investigation and prosecution of criminalised hate speech. The workshop provided the space and opportunity to...