NCJ Number
178212
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 61 Issue: 5 Dated: August 1999 Pages: 102-114
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The use of the Internet to promote prejudice and hate crimes is discussed, with emphasis on recent developments and on constructive responses available to concerned citizens of a democratic society.
Abstract
Concerns about online extremism are not new. A 1985 report from the Anti-Defamation League titled "Computerized Networks of Hate" discussed a computerized bulletin board created by and for white supremacists and accessible to anyone with a modem and a home computer. Extremist groups with histories of violence currently have extensive websites and have used the Internet to comment favorably on violent acts. Many extremist sites target youth. Addressing online extremism is difficult both practically and legally due to free-speech protections and the size of the Web. However, it is important to recognize warning signs such as the Web sites attributed to the alleged perpetrators of the 1999 murders in Littleton, Colo. In addition, the computer industry, educators, parents, civil rights groups, and government must work together to develop new and creative approaches to the unprecedented challenges posed by online extremism and its formation of electronic communities of like-minded people. Possibilities include the use of filtering software products, the provision of information to authorities about hateful material they find, and the use of the Internet to promote education and cultural tolerance. 6 reference notes