On 17 June 2026, as part of No Hate Speech Week 2026, the Council of Europe’s SOGIESC Unit and Gender Equality Division convened a panel discussion on “Countering Gender-Based and Anti-LGBTI Hate in the Digital Space”, drawing together experts, policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders. The event focused on effective strategies and emerging challenges in combating online hate speech and disinformation targeting women and girls and LGBTI people.
As digital spaces are becoming increasingly hostile, especially for women and LGBTI communities, the panel explored how hate speech and disinformation spread online, threaten the wellbeing and security of targeted individuals, and erode the very foundations of democracy.
Participants discussed successful legislative, institutional and community responses to prevent and combat hate speech online, drawing on the findings of the recent thematic review of the Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5, which focuses on combating hate speech on the basis of SOGIESC in Europe, and recent research by civil society. While they acknowledged that progress has been made, they also noted that gaps remain in the accountability of digital platforms, transparency in content moderation processes, monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and the practical enforcement of protections for targeted communities. Referring to the growing set of Council of Europe standards in this field, including the two new Committee of Ministers Recommendations on accountability for technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, and on equality and artificial intelligence, the participants discussed ways to improve regulatory responses to online abuse and violence, and to prevent discrimination in all AI system activities.
The panel provided a vital platform for bridging the gap between policy, advocacy, media and civil society perspectives. By amplifying lived experiences and sharing actionable recommendations, the panel deepened the collective understanding of the urgency and complexity of combatting online hate and disinformation, whilst offering innovative solutions.
