The "Hate Speech" button - really?

[AmaryllisNightAndDay]

I just reported a post to MNHQ and one of the buttons is "hate speech".

This a disturbing and inflammatory way to classify posts. People can say stupid and ignorant things without "hate". What exactly is "hate speech"? What does MNHQ think it means?

"Hate speech" is not a crime but there is something called "hate speech where the police can be involved.

What happens if someone demands to know how many complaints there are about "hate speech" on MumsNet? There they are, all nicely classified.

How is this a good idea? How is it safe for anyone to post if other people can just click a button to claim their post is "hate speech"?

Oh, you mean you're flinging accusations with no evidence, Yup? I am unsurprised.

Yes I agree. “Cancel culture” or controlling types or the permanently offended should not be allowed to shut down debate.

I know the moderators can’t be everywhere but shutting down every reported post without checking it first is not moderation so Mumsnet could save few bob by not employing them at all.

If you read the other thread where we discussed this, you will see much confusion over what 'hate speech' is, whether 'hate speech' is illegal, and what the protected characteristics are. So its how it impacts on users. Plenty people are delighted to accuse posters of various transgressions (witness post above for a handy working example) and I'm sure will make gleeful use of the 'hate speech' button.

It's up to Mumsnet what buttons they use; if it were me, I doubt I'd be encouraging people to look for, identify and report such a nebulous (and as discussed, inherently sexist) idea as 'hate speech'.

Sorry, comment above is mine, I'm shit at name changes.

Hi - just coming back to address some further points.

We appreciate the concern around the definitions of hate speech - but it's the decision of MNHQ, not the person or persons reporting, as to whether a post meets that definition.

You can also query our decisions at any time - we're more happy to discuss these things.

Hi.

Do you have the guidance notes on that, some kind of definition as to what it actually is?

Thanks. I think that is what the OP really wanted to know.

What happens when someone is deleted, do you inform them? Or the police? Is there a right of reply? Or an appeals process?

Hi @YetAnotherBeckyMumsnet thanks for coming back on this.

Yes, I do appreciate that MNHQ makes the final decision about what gets removed and why.

Criteria/definitions/guidelines are always useful and welcomed.