In a time when democratic values are increasingly under strain, hate speech has emerged as one of the most pressing threats to democratic societies around the world. The proliferation of hate-filled rhetoric, particularly online, undermines the pillars of democracy, disrupts social cohesion, and silences the voices of vulnerable groups. Yet the effort to combat this trend is complicated by the necessity to protect freedom of expression. Balancing these two imperatives: upholding free speech while countering hate, has never been more urgent.
