Leiden University Student Repository

Vaals, Willemke van (2020)

Online Hate Speech and the European Court of Human Rights

Master thesis | International Relations (MA)

This research analyses to what extent the ECtHR treats online hate speech as being protected by freedom of expression. First, by reviewing how the ECtHR interprets the notion of freedom of expression. Second, by reviewing the ECtHR’s approach in cases that concern incitement to hatred and freedom of expression. Third, by analysing the case of Delfi and the case of MTE and Index when it comes to liability and fourth, by examining the role of Internet media in the dissemination of hate speech online. Finally, this research concludes that the ECtHR treats online hate speech as being protected by freedom of expression to the extent that the Internet news portal in question can be held liable for user-generated comments without this violating the news portal’s right to freedom of expression.

European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)

liability

Delfi AS

MTE and Index

freedom of expression

Internet media

Author

Vaals, Willemke van

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

MA International Relations: European Union Studies

Supervisors

Oster, Jan

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en