Words Are Actions. More Efficient Measures against Hate Speech and Cyberbullying

Abstract

On 14 November 2018, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education and Culture launched a project with the task of drafting proposals for more efficient eradication of hate speech punishable under the Criminal Code and harassment prohibited by law. In the course of its work, the working group also dealt with hate campaigns and targeting.

An expert working group with representatives from different fields was appointed to carry out the project. The working group was chaired by Archbishop Emeritus Kari Mäkinen, and a secretariat composed of public officials was set up to assist it. During the preparation stage of the project, the working group consulted a variety of researchers, hate crime victims, professionals working with young people, and other key stakeholders.

The working group considers hate speech such a serious problem that policies for its eradication must be included in the Government Programme or another similar document and a specific action plan against hate speech must be drawn up. The working group presents a total of 13 recommendations for developing more efficient measures to tackle hate speech and cyberbullying. The recommendations can be implemented as part of the action plan to be drawn up.