The C.HA.S.E. (Combating Online Hate Speech by Engaging Online Media) project—funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) Programme of the European Union—addresses the urgent challenge of online hate speech targeting gender and gender identity across five European countries: Belgium, Cyprus, France, Greece, and Italy.
Led by a consortium of partners, including Symplexis (Greece), CESIE (Italy), Centre for Social Innovation (Cyprus), and the European Center for Human Rights (France), the project has produced key research findings that offer actionable insights for media professionals, civil society, legal experts, and policymakers.
Below, you will find three core publications resulting from the project’s research activities. These reports offer legal analysis, content monitoring, and stakeholder consultation findings. They aim to support the development of better strategies and tools for identifying, preventing, and addressing online hate speech, particularly misogynistic and transphobic narratives, in digital media spaces.
1. Legal Framework Analysis & Mapping of Response Practices
Title: Online Hate Speech on the Grounds of Gender/Gender Identity
This report investigates national legal frameworks and existing practices in Cyprus, France, Greece, and Italy. It includes an analysis of legislation, challenges in legal enforcement, and best practices to strengthen institutional responses to gender-based online hate speech.
2. Hate Speech Patterns in Media Comment Sections
Title: Online Hate Speech Patterns in Media Platforms’ Comments Sections
Based on qualitative research, this study examines how hate speech manifests in the comment sections of major online media platforms. The findings reveal persistent patterns of misogyny and transphobia and offer insights for moderators and media organisations aiming to foster inclusive dialogue.
3. Needs Analysis for Online Media
Title: Needs Analysis Report for Online Media
This report outlines the needs and challenges faced by online media in identifying and tackling gender-based hate speech. It combines qualitative analysis, focus group insights, and stakeholder interviews. The findings will inform the development of a real-time ICT tool to support media in addressing hateful content.
