Countering Online Misinformation, Hate Speech or Extremist Narratives in the Global South

Abstract

The widespread expansion of social media outlets has enabled the spread of mis/disinformation, hate speech and extremist narratives online. Internet-based technologies can also be used to confront these types of communication. This report focuses on counter-messaging efforts (also referred to as strategic communications) through online platforms. This can comprise counter-narratives that challenge false information or existing narratives (e.g. undermining the credibility of an extremist group); or alternative narratives that seek to replace existing narratives, rather than directly confront them (e.g. introducing messages of coexistence).