What role do social media play in the production and circulation of hate speech?

Social media are often associated with the propagation of hate speech, giving rise to concern and even controversy. Several national laws have been designed to regulate these platforms and make the companies concerned responsible for moderating content. At European level, the consideration and even regulation of hate speech has become a key issue. However, the very definition of ‘hate speech’ is complex and contextual, making it difficult to identify and therefore to regulate. In this issue, social science researchers seek to further the understanding of this concept, particularly in the digital context. Through a variety of approaches, and from an interdisciplinary perspective, this issue aims to provide keys to understanding and analysing this complex and constantly evolving subject.