Italy, Amnesty International (2024), Hatred barometer. Delegitimising dissent (Barometro dell'odio, Delegittimare il dissenso).
Country
Italy
Title
Italy, Amnesty International (2024), Hatred barometer. Delegitimising dissent (Barometro dell'odio, Delegittimare il dissenso).
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Year
2024
Publication type
Report - unofficial (CSO) data on incidents
Geographical coverage
National
Area/location of interest
Not applicable - national level
Type of Institution
Civil Society Organisation
Institution
Italy, Amnesty International
Thematic focus
Hate speech: Public incitement to hatred or violence
Groups
General population
Key findings
According to the report – at its 7th edition – the incidence of problematic online content and, in particular, of hate speech has increased. Remaining constant since 2019, in 2023 the amount of content that is offensive, discriminatory and/or hate speech grew to 15.3% (previously it stood at around 10%). Actual speech inciting hatred, discrimination and violence, exceeded 3% of the total content analysed. As in previous reports, generating the highest incidence of hate speech online is the topic of immigration. On Facebook specifically, 31 posts were mapped conveying derogatory messages concerning religious minorities, 10 representing hate speech episodes. The report does not allow for disaggregation on grounds of type of religion.
Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)
The report used a mixed-method approach. 30 activists were interviewed between January and May 2024, concerning the attacks to civic space in Italy. Social media accounts are also mapped using keywords to identify possible cases of derogatory language and hate speech: 173 accounts of public persons and politicians were mapped over the course of 2023.
Sample details and representativeness
30 interviews with activists and 173 social media accounts mapped.
DISCLAIMERThe information presented here is collected under contract by the FRA's research network FRANET. The information and views contained do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA.