Detect Then ACT: Taking Direct Action against Online Hate Speech by Turning Bystanders into Upstanders

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DeTACT – Detect Then ACT – will deploy artificial intelligence to monitor online hate speech and generate insight which can fuel compelling, data-driven campaigns. These campaigns will aim to convert bystanders into upstanders, building a community of influencers who are better equipped to challenge racism and xenophobia propagated by social media networks. Their efforts will be driven by the project’s technical platform which will function as an early warning system for racist rhetoric as well as a petri dish for effective counter-narratives. The project activities will be organised under three core objectives: 1. To generate new insight into the prevalence and patterns of hate speech online. Lead partner Textgain will develop the systems necessary to deliver round-the-clock monitoring of social media content, using machine learning to identify hate speech hotspots, themes and perpetrators. The data will guide the development of conversational AI agents which will be deployed as drones to measure responses to specific messaging. Examples of hate speech will be reported to the social media platforms carrying them. 2. To build the capacity of CSOs to support vulnerable communities. Experts from MDI will help recruit at least 400 upstanders – highly motivated activists committed to challenging hate speech online. The upstanders will benefit from a training programme covering the technical and editorial aspects of social media campaigning. The programme will be delivered by a team of 22 trainers trained specifically for the project. 3. To promote critical thinking amongst Internet audiences. The upstanders will then work with project experts to deliver a long-running campaign which will embrace and road-test the techniques identified by the monitoring work. Social media engagement will showcase what ordinary citizens can do to challenge racist narratives online. It will also build their resilience by enhancing critical thinking skills and promoting media literacy.