Social media algorithms globalize anti-Muslim hate speech

An Irish report has found that around 90% of online anti-Muslim discourse linked to a local incident originated outside Ireland, highlighting how social media can rapidly turn local events into international hate campaigns.

A report published in Ireland has revealed the extent to which social media can amplify anti-Muslim hate speech across borders, with approximately 90% of online discourse targeting Muslims and Islam reportedly originating from outside the country.

The report, titled The Islamophobia Playbook: A Project of Hate, was prepared by Ireland-based Hope and Courage Collective (HCC). It examines online anti-Muslim hate speech in Ireland and its potential links to attacks and threats in the real world.

According to the report, social media platforms can rapidly amplify anti-Muslim content, with some posts escalating into explicit calls for violence against Muslims and attacks on mosques.

Researchers focused in particular on activity on social media following an arson attack targeting a mosque in Dublin.

A video posted on Facebook following the incident was viewed approximately 1.9 million times, according to the report. Researchers said the figures demonstrate how quickly violent incidents can reach large audiences through social media.

The video also generated more than 10,600 comments and emoji interactions. Researchers found that approximately one in five of these interactions contained anti-Muslim hate speech, expressions supporting the attack or encouragement of violence.

Hundreds of comments reportedly called for further attacks on mosques, while more than 300 explicitly called for mosques in Ireland to be burned or set on fire.

The report warned that such content goes beyond online abuse and can potentially contribute to risks of violence in the real world.

More than 112,000 posts linked to the incident
Researchers also examined activity on X, identifying more than 112,000 posts connected to the incident and approximately 70,000 individual accounts.

The report estimated that the content reached around 243 million accounts within just six days, illustrating how rapidly a local incident can become part of an international online narrative.

One of the report's most significant findings was that approximately 90% of the activity originated outside Ireland.

The researchers said the finding demonstrates that anti-Muslim online discourse surrounding events in Ireland is not confined to domestic actors, but can be amplified by international accounts and networks.

The figures highlight how a local incident can quickly develop into a global anti-Muslim narrative through social media platforms.

Algorithms can amplify hate speech worldwide
According to the report, an attack occurring in a relatively small area of Ireland was transformed within days into an anti-Muslim discourse reaching audiences internationally.

Mark Malone, research lead at HCC, said the report provides important evidence of how hate speech can spread globally through social media.

"The international spread should be a concern for everyone responsible for online safety," Malone said, adding that Ireland is increasingly becoming a source of content for international far-right influencers.

The report also raised concerns about the ability of social media platforms to enforce their own community standards effectively.

Malone criticized Meta's statements regarding its policies against hate speech, arguing that such statements do not address the continued presence of violent content on its platforms.

He called on Meta to explain why calls for further attacks on mosques and violence against Muslim communities remain accessible and continue to generate engagement.

The report concluded that some of the content identified by researchers remained available on social media platforms and continued to receive interactions, underscoring concerns over the role of algorithm-driven amplification in spreading anti-Muslim hate speech across national borders.