Artificial intelligence is transforming how information is created, shared and moderated online. While emerging technologies offer new opportunities to identify and respond to harmful content, they also raise concerns about the growing scale of online hate speech, freedom of expression and accountability.
On 7 October 2026, Solidarity With OTHERS, a Brussels-based human rights organisation, organised a panel discussion entitled “The Double-Edged Role of AI: Hate Speech and Counter-Speech” during the OSCE Human Dimension Conference in Warsaw, Poland.
Bringing together academics, civil society representatives and international experts, the event examined the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence presents for human rights protection in digital environments.
How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping Online Hate Speech
The discussion explored how AI technologies can facilitate the production and dissemination of hateful narratives while also providing tools for monitoring discriminatory content.
Coşkun Yorulmaz, representing Solidarity With OTHERS, examined hate speech targeting individuals associated with the Gülen movement in Türkiye. He presented the organisation’s monitoring activities and introduced Söylem Gözlemevi (Discourse Observatory), an AI-powered initiative designed to analyse patterns of hate speech in Turkish media.
Dr. Anna Leszczuk-Fiedziukiewicz addressed Meta’s content moderation policies, focusing on the treatment of harmful expression during Russia’s war against Ukraine. Her contribution raised questions about the consistency of platform policies and the challenges of applying automated moderation to politically sensitive contexts.
Professor Rafał Pankowski, associated with the NEVER AGAIN Association, discussed the evolution of online hate speech, particularly racist, antisemitic and anti-refugee narratives. He highlighted how generative AI introduces additional challenges for civil society organisations working to counter discrimination.
Balancing Freedom of Expression and Digital Accountability
A central theme of the panel concerned the responsibility of digital platforms and the boundaries of content moderation.
Dr. Ewa Milczarek explored the constitutional implications of AI-assisted moderation and the influence of technology companies over public discourse. Drawing on research involving approximately 10,000 respondents across 45 European countries, she examined public expectations regarding transparency, independent oversight and mechanisms for challenging moderation decisions.
The discussion illustrated the complexity of distinguishing harmful expression from protected speech, particularly when automated systems must interpret cultural, linguistic and political contexts.
These questions are increasingly relevant to policymakers, researchers and human rights organisations seeking approaches that protect individuals from discrimination while respecting freedom of expression.
International Cooperation and Approaches to Counter-Speech
Matteo Tracchi, representing the Council of Europe, presented the organisation’s work on combating hate speech and addressing emerging AI-related risks. His contribution outlined relevant policy recommendations and emphasised education, human rights impact assessments, human oversight and cooperation among public institutions, technology companies and civil society.
Moderated by Claire Dunyach, the panel concluded with an interactive exchange addressing the responsibilities of international organisations, independent oversight and the possibilities of AI-assisted counter-speech.
The event offered an opportunity to examine how different stakeholders understand the relationship between technological innovation and human rights protection. It also highlighted ongoing debates about the governance of digital platforms and the role of civil society in shaping responses to online discrimination.
The full panel discussion is available to watch online, including the individual presentations and audience questions. The recording provides a useful resource for civil society organisations, researchers, policymakers and anyone interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital rights and combating hate speech.
Explore the event: Read the original article on Solidarity With OTHERS
Watch the discussion: Full panel recording on YouTube