Combating online hate speech with free speech

By Ivan Sanchez& Jacob Mchangama, the founder and executive director of The Future of Free Speech, a non-partisan think tank based at Vanderbilt University, provides insights into the intricate dynamics between AI and free speech. With a distinguished background in human rights advocacy and academic research, Mchangama’s expertise illuminates the evolving landscape of digital discourse. At The Future of Free Speech, Mchangama spearheads initiatives at the nexus of AI, free speech, and human rights. He highlights recent endeavors, including a symposium co-organized with Vanderbilt University in Nashville and an upcoming conference in Brussels, Belgium. These gatherings convene leading voices from academia, industry, civil society, and the public sector to deliberate on AI’s implications for free speech and human rights. Addressing concerns about AI biases, particularly regarding race and stereotyping, Mchangama acknowledges the significance of mitigating these issues. The think tank’s focus on generative AI underscores its commitment to integrating free-speech considerations into policy and industry discourse. Mchangama emphasizes the importance of fostering a robust free-speech culture within AI frameworks to address biases effectively. Regarding the surge of hate speech, especially online, Mchangama emphasizes proactive measures. The counterspeech toolkit developed by The Future of Free Speech empowers internet users to respond...