ERC records surge in hate speech on social media, local TV, newspapers

…E-Monitoring tool launched

The Ethic Relations Commission (ERC) in the fight against hate speech has recorded an increase in the total number of hate speech infractions when compared to last year figures.
This concerning increase was highlighted on Tuesday by ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hack during a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the ERC and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Data Support and E-Monitor Implementation, which was held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

During his presentation at the ceremony, the chairman revealed that in an effort to protect citizens from the threat and consequences of hate speech, the ERC through its media monitoring unit actively patrols various platforms such as social media. However, he explained that sometimes these infractions can go unnoticed by the organisation due to its manual labour force.
“Currently, the ERC’s media monitoring unit, we refer to it as the MMU, diligently observes various platforms including television, newspapers and social media to identify instances of racial and ethnic infractions, commonly referred to as hate speech. Until now, this monitoring has relied on manual processes, which while effective, are limited in reach”
Moreover, Hack highlighted some alarming statistics and according to the chairman, data analysed by the organisation revealed that, the total number of infractions recorded during a nine-month period in 2024 has already surpassed statistics that were recorded in 2023.

“From August to December 23, after reactivating our media monitoring unit, we documented 116 infractions. I repeat, August to December 23, 116 infractions. In the first nine months of this year, 24, we have identified 163 infractions. We still have under three months to complete 24, and we have already surpassed, well, in some way, 23 the majority occurring on social media”
He added that these statistics underscore the urgent need to tackle hate speech within our society. As such the chairman explained that the ERC has already begun to deploy counteractive measures to combat the hate speak scourge.
“In light of these trends, the ERC has launched a proactive countering hate speech campaign aimed at reducing racial and ethnic violations.”

E-monitoring tool
Meanwhile, the ERC and UNDP also launched their innovative E-Monitoring tool. The unique automated system the chairman revealed will significantly improve the reach, capacity and efficiency of the origination in the fight against hate speech.
“The E-monitoring tool will be instrumental in enhancing our capacity to capture a wider reach of content. This innovative, automated system will efficiently identify keywords and phrases that are racially, ethnically offensive, allowing us to respond more swiftly and effectively”
While the E-monitoring tool will automate much of the data collection, the ERC will also utilise a manual verification process to ensure accuracy and appropriateness in their response. This will allow the organisation to issue cautionary warnings or escalate matters to our investigative unit for further consideration, another department within the ERC, thus ensuring a thorough and fair approach to addressing infractions.
Additionally, the ERC, in partnership with the United Nations (Guyana) and the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), successfully hosted its second Countering Hate Speech workshop on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown. This important event brought together participants from both traditional and non-traditional media, inclusive of broadcasters, political commentators, DJ’s, social media influencers, and journalists to engage in discussions, training and capacity-building exercises aimed at combating hate speech and promoting harmonious relations.