December 8, 2020
LEAF has provided the Canadian Commission for Democratic Expression with a submission on the gendered nature and negative impact of online hate. LEAF’s submission also addresses the need for government to regulate digital platforms to strike the right balance between countering hate and disinformation, and safeguarding free expression.
The Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression (CCDE) is conducting research in 2020-2021 to recommend a plan on limiting the negative impact of online hate and disinformation on Canadian democracy while respecting freedom of expression. The Commission invited members of the public and organizations to provide written submissions in support of its study.
LEAF’s ongoing research and advocacy linked to online hate meant that our organization was well-positioned to provide a submission to the CCDE on this important topic.
In the submission, LEAF Staff Lawyer Rosel Kim explains that the Commission should recognize two key principles:
- Online hate targets women and girls and perpetuates misogyny, leading to negative impacts on democracy.
- Government regulation of online platforms is necessary to strike an appropriate balance between countering hate and disinformation, and freedom of expression.
Read LEAF’s submission here.
To learn more about LEAF’s work on online hate, check out our Technology-Facilitated Violence Project. You can help us continue to advocate for gender equality online by making a donation today!
For media inquiries, please contact:
Rosel Kim, Staff Lawyer
Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF)
E: [email protected]
About Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF)
The Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) works to advance the substantive equality rights of women and girls through litigation, law reform, and public education. Since 1985, we have intervened in landmark cases that have advanced equality in Canada—helping to prevent violence, eliminate discrimination in the workplace, provide better maternity benefits, ensure a right to pay equity, and allow access to reproductive freedoms.
