#43 Is Disinformation Really the Problem?

In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, we turn the microphone around a little. Host Jordy Nijenhuis joins Vivian Gerrand, his co-author on a new policy brief examining responses to disinformation at the local level.The research formed part of an Australian-led project exploring the relationship between disinformation, polarisation and violent extremism, drawing on approaches and practitioner experiences from around the world.Together, Jordy and Vivian discuss:whether framing disinformation primarily as an information problem is holding us backwhy fact-checking matters, but cannot address grievance, fear or belonging on its ownhow outrage has become embedded in the business model of online platformswhy some narratives feel emotionally true even when their factual basis is weakwhat violent extremism research can teach us about disinformationwhy local communities offer an important space for interventionthe role of trusted messengers, including teachers, sports coaches, hairdressers and other community figureswhy trust needs to be built before a crisis happensthe difference between prevention, disruption and recoverywhy short-term project funding makes long-term resilience difficulthow storytelling, emotional literacy, civic literacy and critical thinking can complement media literacyand what practitioners and policymakers can actually start doing differentlyA central theme runs throughout the conversation: if disinformation exploits real grievances, simply correcting the information cannot be the whole solution.You can find the policy brief here.

In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, we speak with Charlie Ngounou, Data, Digital & Technology expert and Founder of AfroLeadership NGO, about the intersection of digital rights, governance, and online harms in African contexts.We explore:how online spaces amplify both freedom of expression and harmful contentthe role of anonymity in accelerating hate speech and disinformationthe impact of weak or fragmented legal frameworks across African countriesthe realities of digital inequality and access barriersthe use of internet shutdowns and censorship as political toolsthe opportunities digital platforms create for civic engagement and economic participationand the structural challenges civil society faces in responding to online harmsCharlie also highlights a critical point: online spaces often mirror offline realities—meaning that addressing hate speech and disinformation requires strengthening democratic systems beyond the digital sphere.This episode offers a vital perspective on global digital inequalities and the need for inclusive, context-sensitive approaches to regulation and digital governance.

In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, we speak with Prof. Anna Krasteva, Professor of Political Sciences and Migration Studies at New Bulgarian University and part of the Policy and Citizens’ Observatory.Recorded during the INACH Summit in Sofia, the conversation reflects on the changing relationship between technology, politics, and democracy.Together, we discuss:the early promise of the internet as a space for digital citizenshiphow online platforms have shifted from civic participation to polarization and hatethe rise of fake media ecosystems and misleading information environmentshow online hate can translate into real-world mobilizationthe transformation of Twitter into Xwhy platform leadership matters for democratic cultureand how civil society can respond to the growing imbalance between civic internet and hate internetThis episode asks a big question: if the digital revolution once promised more democracy, what happens when the same tools are increasingly used to undermine it?

In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, we speak with Mark Malone from the Hope and Courage Collective about the evolving landscape of online hate and community responses in Ireland.We explore:how anti-migrant narratives and conspiracy theories spread across social mediathe growing role of private online groups and influencer ecosystemshow online hate translates into offline intimidation and violencethe interplay between economic frustration and targeted scapegoatingthe transnational dimension of far-right narratives and networksthe challenges of holding platforms accountableand how communities are organizing to resist division and build resilienceMark also reflects on the importance of shifting the conversation—from content moderation alone to broader questions of power, democracy, and platform responsibility.At its core, this episode highlights a crucial insight: resisting hate is not only about reacting to it—but about strengthening communities before it takes hold.

In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, we speak with Petra Kováčiková, Monitoring Specialist and Head of Data at DigIQ, about the current landscape for civil society in Slovakia.As NGOs face increasing scrutiny, new legal requirements, and shrinking funding opportunities, their role in supporting democratic resilience becomes even more critical.Together, we discuss:the rise of anti-NGO rhetoric and its impact on public trustnew legislation affecting transparency and operations of civil societyhow NGOs are coping with funding challenges and administrative burdensthe realities of monitoring and reporting online hate speechwhy platform responses remain inconsistent across Europeearly experiences with Digital Services Act implementationand the importance of media literacy and youth engagement as long-term solutionsDespite the pressure, civil society organizations continue to play a crucial role—building resilience, supporting communities, and filling gaps where institutions fall short.

In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, we speak with Simeon Vasilev, founder of the GLAS Foundation, about a major step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Bulgaria.Following nearly two decades of advocacy, Bulgaria amended its criminal code to include sexual orientation as an aggravating factor in hate crimes—a milestone achievement for the community and its allies.Together, we explore:the long road to legal recognition of LGBTQ+ hate crimethe key moments and strategies that made this reform possiblethe importance of persistence and coalition-buildingwhat this change means for LGBTQ+ people in Bulgariathe ongoing work needed to ensure proper implementationand how civil society continues to support victims and build resilienceWhile challenges remain, this episode highlights what can be achieved through sustained effort, collaboration, and belief in change.

In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, we speak with Cvijeta Senta, Programme Council Member at Human Rights House Zagreb, about the evolving landscape of online hate in Croatia—and how it increasingly manifests offline.Together, we explore:how online hate speech is shaping public behaviour and cultural spacesthe normalization of extremist narratives and symbolsattacks on festivals, activists, and minority communitiesthe psychological impact on those monitoring hate speech dailythe challenges civil society faces in responding to escalating hostilitythe current state of Digital Services Act implementation in Croatiaand why collaboration between institutions, platforms, and civil society is essentialThis conversation highlights a critical shift: when hate becomes normalized, it no longer needs to be loud to be powerful—it becomes part of the atmosphere.

In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, we speak with Bardhyl Jashari, Director of Metamorphosis Foundation, about disinformation and hate speech in North Macedonia.Bardhyl shares how sustained disinformation campaigns—often linked to foreign influence—are shaping public discourse, eroding trust in institutions, and deepening societal divisions. These campaigns don’t always operate directly, but instead subtly exploit identity, history, and existing tensions to influence public opinion.Together, Lydia and Bardhyl discuss:how disinformation campaigns operate in waves around key political momentsthe link between disinformation, hate speech, and societal fragmentationhow inter-ethnic tensions are amplified through manipulated narrativesthe challenges civil society organisations face in building trustthe role of fact-checking, prebunking, and regional collaborationwhy media literacy and critical thinking are essential—but long-term solutionshow AI can support civil society in identifying harmful contentand what the Digital Services Act might mean beyond the EUThis episode highlights how disinformation is not just a media issue—but a societal and security challenge that requires a coordinated, whole-of-society response.

In this episode of Zooming in on Hate, we speak with Anna Daróczi from Phiren Amenca about young Roma people and online hate speech.Anna shares what she is seeing in Hungary and across Europe: how anti-Roma hate continues to circulate online, how young people are affected by the narratives they encounter, and why many still lack the tools, support, and institutional backing to respond effectively.Together, Lydia and Anna discuss:how anti-Roma hate speech shows up onlinewhy young Roma people often internalise harmful narrativesthe limits and failures of reporting systems on social media platformswhy victims are sometimes silenced instead of protectedthe shrinking civic space for Roma organisations in Hungarythe role of journalists and mainstream media in reinforcing or challenging stereotypesthe importance of solidarity between Roma, Jewish, Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communitieswhat meaningful support for victims of hate speech could look likeThis episode highlights why anti-Gypsyism remains one of Europe’s most overlooked forms of racism—and why addressing it requires more than policy alone.

In this episode, we step outside the EU to explore hate speech regulation in Russia.Recorded at the annual conference of our friends at INACH, this conversation gave us the opportunity to sit down with Alexander Verkhovsky from the SOVA Center, one of the few organizations still documenting nationalism, xenophobia, and online hate in Russia.Together, Lydia and Alexander discuss:How Russian hate speech legislation compares to laws in the EUHow broad and vague legal provisions can be used in ways that go beyond protecting vulnerable groupsWhy LGBTQ+ communities are especially exposed in the current legal and political climateHow the word “migrant” functions differently in Russia, often carrying a racialized meaningThe impact of the war in Ukraine on hate speech, aggression, and online discourseWhat it means to continue monitoring hate speech in an increasingly constrained environmentThis episode also reflects on a broader question: when legal frameworks look similar across countries, what role do politics, enforcement, and public norms play in shaping the actual outcome?Featuring:Lydia El-Khouri in conversation with Alexander Verkhovsky, SOVA CenterMore on the European Observatory of Online Hate:www.eooh.euFollow us on LinkedIn:European Observatory of Online Hate