näthat

Näthat is the term used in Swedish to describe harassment, threats, and hate speech directed at individuals or groups through online platforms such as social media, forums, and messaging apps. It includes insulting or dehumanizing language, threats of violence, doxxing or publishing private information, and campaign-style harassment aimed at silencing or intimidating the target. It can be episodic or part of a sustained pattern.

Forms often target protected characteristics (such as race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability) or individuals such as journalists, public figures, or activists. It may take the form of repeated messages, coordinated campaigns, or algorithmic amplification. The consequences can include psychological distress, fear for safety, and changes in behavior such as self-censorship or avoiding online spaces.

Legal context in Sweden: certain online expressions can be criminal. Hets mot folkgrupp (incitement to hatred) applies to public statements online that threaten or express contempt for a group defined by protected characteristics. Threats (olaga hot) and defamation (förtal) can also be prosecutable when communicated online. In addition, platform terms of service and takedown policies may remove content. Victims can report to the police or to platform moderators.

Response and prevention: platforms offer reporting tools, blocking, and privacy controls; police and prosecutors work with cases of näthat; civil remedies such as defamation or personal data protection claims can be pursued; education and digital literacy initiatives aim to reduce näthat and support victims.