Gender-based hate speech

• Jurisdiction: European Union
• Year: 2021
• Author: Victoria de Posson

Speaker

Victoria de Posson is a Senior Manager, Public Policy in the Brussels office of the Computer & Communications Industry Association. She works on EU digital policies with an expertise in ecommerce, platforms and artificial intelligence. On a more personal level, Victoria is engaged in gender equality. Prior to joining CCIA, Victoria worked for FTI Consulting for four years, where she provided strategic counsel on public policy strategies to Fortune 500 companies across tech sectors.

Previously, she worked for Samsung Electronics, Burson Marsteller, the ECR group, and started her career at the Think Tank Robert Schuman Foundation. Victoria studied European Affairs at the College of Europe and international relations at Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve.

Topic

Victoria de Posson delves into the intricate landscape of technology companies and their responsibility in tackling the pervasive issue of gender-based hate speech. In an era where online platforms have become the digital town squares of our time, the impact of such speech on individuals and society at large cannot be underestimated. The state of play in this domain is both concerning and illuminating, shedding light on the urgent need for action and reform.

In recent years, technology companies have come under increasing scrutiny for their role in propagating and perpetuating gender-based hate speech. Online platforms, while providing valuable spaces for communication and interaction, have also inadvertently become breeding grounds for misogyny, sexism, and harassment. Women, in particular, have borne the brunt of this digital vitriol, facing targeted attacks that can range from abusive comments to threats of violence. The consequences of such hate speech extend beyond the digital realm, often spilling into real-life harm and trauma.

The state of play in addressing this issue is a complex web of policies, content moderation mechanisms, and societal attitudes. Many technology companies have taken steps to combat gender-based hate speech by implementing content guidelines, deploying algorithms to detect and remove harmful content, and fostering user reporting systems. However,...