UN calls for stronger multilateralism to tackle digital hate speech

By R Anil Kumar

Madrid, Spain, March 16, 2026. During the First Forum Against Hate organized by Spain’s Ministry of Migration, Director of the UN Regional Information Centre, Sherri Aldis, warned that the speed and scale at which hate spreads online represent a global challenge.

The United Nations reiterated in Madrid the need to strengthen international cooperation to curb the spread of hate speech and disinformation in the digital environment.  During the international forum against hate held in the Spanish capital, Sherri Aldis, Director of the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe, stressed that this is a global phenomenon that requires multilateral responses.

Ms. Aldis recalled that hate speech “is not a new problem,” as it has existed “as long as humanity itself.” However, she warned that what is new is “the speed and the scale at which it is spreading around the world,” largely driven by digital platforms and new technologies.

A global challenge

“The only solution is multilateralism,” Ms. Aldis said during her intervention. According to Ms. Aldis, addressing the issue solely at the national level is insufficient, as the digital ecosystem transcends borders and connects millions of users in real time. In this context, she highlighted the role of the UN as a platform for dialogue capable of bringing together governments, technology companies, civil society and the media.

The UN representative also recalled that the organisation has been working for decades to promote international standards that protect human rights in the field of communication. As an example, she cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provides a strong framework to guarantee freedom of expression and access to information.

The risk of hate speech

Ms. Aldis also noted that the United Nations launched the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech in 2019, coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. “We know that hate speech does not always lead to genocide, but every genocide has always been preceded by hate speech,” she warned, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

More recently, the UN has developed the Global Principles for Information Integrity, a framework aimed at all stakeholders, including social media platforms, technology companies and developers of artificial intelligence. According to Ms. Aldis, the combination of technological speed, algorithms and advertising-based business models can amplify harmful content and blur the line between reality and fiction.

Protecting freedom of expression

In this context, the UN representative defended the need to promote regulation and digital governance mechanisms that “shield the information space” without undermining fundamental rights. “It is not only about regulating or pointing fingers at platforms,” Ms. Aldis said, but also about strengthening independent journalism, promoting media literacy and ensuring that freedom of expression and human rights remain at the center of the digital ecosystem.

The forum brought together institutional representatives, experts and international organisations to discuss strategies to counter online hate at a time when disinformation and digital manipulation have become global challenges.