A/HRC/20/38 III. Challenging the use of the Internet and social media by extremist political parties, movements and groups 11. In his report (A/HRC/18/44), the previous mandate holder expressed concern about the increased use of the Internet by individuals and groups of individuals closely linked to extremist movements to disseminate racist ideas and propagate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Reports received recently confirm that extremist political parties, movements and groups are still actively present on the Internet, including through material published on their website or in the web pages of sympathizing organizations that promote and incite racial discrimination and violence, and that their use of the Internet remain of particular concern.8 Furthermore the Internet not only remains an important channel for extremist movements and groups to spread hate speech and incite racial violence and abuse against specific groups of individuals, but it has also been used as a means to expand their networks of individuals, movements and groups worldwide. In this regard, some reports indicate that exchanges between right-wing extremists through social networking sites and YouTube are more and more ubiquitous. It was also reported that the Internet is used by a number of extremist movements and groups, especially far right-wing movements, as the perfect recruitment platform for potential new members, as it enables easy invitations to various events and meet-ups without distance constraints. The Special Rapporteur also received information about overtly anti-Semitic statements in ultranationalist or far right-wing publications posted on the Internet that are reportedly often made with impunity.9 Cases of persons being attacked following the publication of their personal details in a list of anti-fascist activists on a neo-Nazi website were also reported.10 12. The Special Rapporteur is alarmed by the use of the Internet and social media by extremist groups and individuals to disseminate racist ideas and propagate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. However, he reiterates that the Internet and social media can also be a useful tool for preventing the spread of racist ideologies by extremist political parties, groups and movements. In this connection, he welcomes information received about projects set up at the national level by civil society groups with the support of public authorities, including the creation of a social network-based platform targeting young people and aiming specifically at countering right-wing extremism and fostering a democratic culture. Reports received indicate that young people of all social backgrounds are interested in politics, although there is still a lack of sufficient knowledge of the challenges posed by extremist political parties, movements and groups. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur urges States to sensitize children and youth, including through human rights classes, about the challenges that such parties, groups, and movements pose to democracy, especially with regard to the principle of nondiscrimination. 13. Like his predecessor, the Special Rapporteur encourages States to use the opportunities provided by new technologies, including the Internet, to counter the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred. He warns States about any attempt to unduly limit the right to freedom of expression when adopting measures to counter extremist political parties, movements and groups. In this regard, he calls on States 8 9 10 Alternative report submitted to the Committee on Racial Discrimination at its 79th session (8 August2 September 2011). ECRI, Fourth report on Turkey (CRI (2011) 5). Available from http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/ ecri/library/publications_en.asp. ECRI, Fourth report on Poland (CRI (2010) 18). Available from http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/ monitoring/ecri/library/publications_en.asp. 7