Spanish police have arrested four individuals suspected of orchestrating an online hate campaign aimed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. The campaign, which utilized the hashtag #MetropolitanoConMascarilla, encouraged fans to wear masks while racially abusing the Brazilian player during a Madrid derby match. This arrest follows a landmark conviction of Valencia fans for racist insults against Vinicius Jr. and highlights the ongoing struggle against racism in Spanish football.
The UK is grappling with a surge in violent protests targeting migrant hotels, fueled by inflammatory online content. Authorities are facing scrutiny for the slow response of social media platforms to remove such material, despite convictions against individuals for inciting violence. The government is considering revisions to the Online Safety Act to address the growing issue.
Elon Musk criticized a proposed Canadian law aiming to combat online hate speech and enhance online protection, particularly for minors. The bill, known as the Online Harms Act, empowers law enforcement to apprehend individuals who disseminate hate speech. Musk expressed skepticism over the legislation’s provisions, questioning their potential impact on freedom of speech. The bill’s objectives include reducing children’s exposure to harmful online content and protecting individuals from online hate. It proposes increased penalties for hate speech and a reporting mechanism for discriminatory speech, which could result in compensation or fines for perpetrators.
