An exciting joint project was formed between the University of Utrecht (HU), the Slovak-based NGO, PDCS, the artificial intelligence start-up, Textgain, and the Dare to be Grey group working to counter polarization. Together, as EOOH - the European Observatory of Online Hate, with funding from the European Union, they are conducting investigation and reporting on the fundamental nature of the dynamics of online hate, how hate manifests itself, the connections between the perpetrators and their influence as well as disinformation strategies. This investigation involves collaborative development of a monitoring tool, using cutting edge AI developed by Textgain.
EOOH is dedicated to fostering a safer digital environment for all. They use a three-pronged approach that helps them map online hate in order to work against it:
Identification - Utilizing advanced technology to identify and highlight instances of hate speech online,
Analysis - Analyzing the nature and origins of online hate speech, aiming to understand its underlying factors and trends,
Action - Collaborating closely with law enforcement and civil society organizations, we take decisive action to address online hate speech.
Together with partners, EOOH harnesses the potential of the Digital Services Act (DSA) to uphold the rights of European citizens in the digital realm. By holding perpetrators accountable and supporting victims, they work towards a digital space where freedom of expression thrives without fear of discrimination or abuse.
Below, we are showcasing examples of content you can find on the EOOH website:
History and divisions between Ukraine & Russia - Podcast
A discussion with Elsa Court, whose research focuses on the political and sociological transformation of post-2014 Ukraine. The conversation aims to shed some light on the history between Ukraine and Russia, and the divisions between the two countries.
In this episode, EOOH unpacks the current state of play surrounding the Digital Services Act, following its first major year in force. This episode features insights from a webinar held on 25 February 2025, with guests from:
• HateAid – a leading civil society organization working on platform accountability
• CNAM – Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator (DSC), responsible for regulating many of the world’s largest online platforms
The 2025 German federal elections on February 23 sparked widespread discussions across social media, with political debates playing out in real-time across major platforms. To analyse the online hate landscape, we monitored the four largest political parties—CDU/CSU, AfD, SPD, and Die Grünen—as well as their leaders—Friedrich Merz, Alice Weidel, Olaf Scholz, and Robert Habeck.
How Meta’s new Content Moderation Policies affect Gender-based Violence - Deeper analysis
As digital platforms become less regulated, technology-facilitated gender-based violence risks worsening gender inequality, silencing women, and undermining democratic participation.
Read the whole interesting case study, reports, articles, listen to podcasts on the EOOH website.
The European Observatory on Online Hate (EOOH) is led by Dare to be Grey. If you are interested in any general aspects of the EOOH, please email: info@eooh.eu
If you want to further educate yourself on countering disinformation, media literacy, and building positive narratives, check out our free online courses.