Recent monitoring data from the TAAO project has revealed the alarming scale of antigypsyist hate speech in Romania's digital spaces. Between October and December 2024, 161 cases of online hate speech targeting Roma were recorded across multiple social media platforms. While one instance of hate speech was successfully removed following user reports, most harmful content remains accessible, highlighting the persistent challenge of tackling digital antigypsyism.

Social Media: A Hostile Space for Roma Communities

The research, conducted by Asociatia Nevo Parudimos, tracked online hate speech across several platforms, with the highest number of cases appearing on:

• Facebook – 55 cases, mostly from private accounts.
• TikTok – 31 cases, including 1 from online media.
• Instagram – 5 cases from private accounts and 2 from online media.
• YouTube – 4 cases, including content from influencers.

A Rare Win: Facebook Takes Down a Racist Post

One case documented in the monitoring period resulted in the successful removal of racist content. A Facebook user, Adi Marinica, published a post that contained strong anti-Roma slurs and stereotypes, describing all Roma as "thieves and crooks." The post included a video reinforcing these negative narratives.

On November 5, 2024, a monitor reported the post through Facebook's internal reporting system. The platform reviewed the case and took it down the same day.

The monitor who flagged the post noted:

"The post was using racist slurs and stereotypes against the Roma. Facebook removed it within 24 hours. This was a positive outcome, as the post violated community guidelines."

This case highlights that platform moderation mechanisms can sometimes work effectively, but such actions remain inconsistent across social networks.

The reality: most hate speech stays online

Despite this isolated success, the overwhelming majority of antigypsyist content in Romania remains online. The report found that:

• 36 cases contained appeals to violence, including calls for harm against Roma.
• 52 cases relied on mockery and sarcasm to ridicule Roma communities.
• 35 cases included dehumanizing language, portraying Roma as inferior.
• Coded hate speech, including irony and pseudo-scientific claims, appeared in 39 cases.

The success of removing a single Facebook post contrasts with the platform's broader failure to moderate antigypsyist hate speech effectively. While some reports result in content takedowns, many others receive no action.

The need for greater action

The findings from Romania underscore the urgent need for stronger measures against online antigypsyism. Hate speech against Roma continues to spread unchecked, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and legitimizing discrimination.

To address this issue, the following steps are essential:

• Social media platforms must enforce their own policies – Facebook's response in this case was positive, but similar action must be taken consistently across all platforms.
• Authorities must strengthen digital hate speech laws – Legal frameworks should explicitly include antigypsyist hate speech as a serious violation.
• Users must continue to report hate speech – While reports do not always result in removals, sustained pressure can lead to change.

As the TAAO project continues its monitoring efforts, it remains clear that the fight against online antigypsyism is far from over. The removal of one hateful Facebook post is a step forward, but systemic change is still needed to ensure Roma communities can exist safely in digital spaces.