Social networking sites being used to spread racism, xenophobia

March 19, 2010

VIENNA (AP) - Three European human rights organizations are warning that social networking sites are being used to spread racist and xenophobic views - especially among young people.

In a statement the groups express alarm over an "ever-increasing" use of the Internet by racist groups for recruitment, radicalization, command and control, intimidation and harassment.

It says governments should establish or expand awareness-raising educational programs.

Sunday marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The statement issued Friday was signed by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe's European Commission against Racism and Intolerance.

Source: The Associated Press