Does de-platforming work and what are the (unintended) consequences of it? Interesting and diverse insights from @ofra_okn @JoeMulhall_ @DittrichMiro and @beccalew at #HateNotFound conference by @IDZ_Jena @maik_fielitz @raeuberhose

It can disrupt the amorphous networks and reduce the influx of money into the movement. It works, but is no silver bullet says @JoeMulhall_
@ofra_okn examines the consequences, e.g. when researchers lose track of where extremist users go once banned, and how they adapt their

Behaviour on social media (e.g. Presenting themselves as less radical or using dog whistles) find more of her work here: https://www.voxpol.eu/the-effects-of-censoring-the-far-right-online/

Online hate and online radicalization are not a technological problem, but a societal one says @DittrichMiro from @AmadeuAntonio so the solution cannot be merely technical.

@beccalew emphasises that while de-platforming can limit the reach of individual accounts - but the platform economy of attention isn't affected by this. Extremist content will still generate attention and attract likes and followers.

The rise of QA*on throughout Europe is a concern all panelists share, and support for the conspiracy belief appears to be growing despite them being banned from most major platforms.

In Germany, the growth is mainly related to the "anti-Covid" demonstrations. Like QA*on, this movement heavily mobilizes on Telegram eraly on.