What does Dangerous Speech Project do?

Dangerous Speech Project studies speech patterns that precede and promote mass violence, developing practical counter-speech strategies while protecting free expression. The organization provides research, training, and resources for journalists, tech companies, and civil society organizations working to address harmful rhetoric.

How does the organization prevent violence?

By analyzing historical and contemporary examples of dangerous speech across cultures and platforms, the project identifies warning signs and develops evidence-based counter-speech approaches. Training programs teach practitioners to recognize harmful patterns and implement effective responses without restricting free expression.

Who uses Dangerous Speech Project resources?

Journalists, technology platforms, and civil society organizations working to identify and respond to speech that increases risk of violence. The project serves practitioners who need practical tools for addressing dangerous rhetoric while maintaining commitment to free expression principles.

How can organizations engage with the project?

Organizations can access training programs on recognizing dangerous speech patterns, utilize research findings and analytical frameworks, and implement counter-speech strategies developed by the project. Resources are designed for journalists, tech companies, and civil society groups working to prevent violence.

Dangerous Speech Project

Preventing mass violence by studying speech that precedes atrocities

Primary audience

Media and Tech

Work area

Violence Prevention

Topic

Harmful Speech Analysis

Website Contact

About Organization

Dangerous Speech Project works to prevent mass violence by studying the speech that precedes and catalyzes it, developing frameworks to identify dangerous speech patterns, and working with social media platforms, policymakers, and civil society organizations. The project provides research-based strategies to counter hateful rhetoric while protecting free expression and human rights.

What They Focus On

Violence Prevention

Studies speech patterns that increase risk of mass violence and develops interventions to protect communities from harm.

Counter-Speech Development

Creates practical strategies for responding to dangerous rhetoric while maintaining commitment to free expression principles.

Practitioner Support

Trains journalists, tech platforms, and civil society organizations to recognize and address harmful speech effectively.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Pattern Analysis

Studies historical and contemporary examples of speech that preceded mass violence across different contexts.
02

Strategy Development

Creates evidence-based counter-speech approaches that reduce risks while respecting free expression principles.
03

Practitioner Training

Educates journalists, tech companies, and civil society organizations on identifying dangerous speech patterns.
04

Tool Distribution

Provides practical resources that help organizations implement effective responses to harmful rhetoric.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Dangerous Speech Project

Speech Pattern Research

Analyzes rhetoric that increases risk of violence across cultures and platforms to identify warning signs.

Counter-Speech Strategies

Develops evidence-based approaches to respond to harmful rhetoric without restricting free expression rights.

Professional Training

Provides workshops for journalists, tech companies, and organizations on recognizing and addressing dangerous speech.

Resource Development

Creates practical tools and materials that help practitioners identify and counter speech that promotes violence.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Dangerous Speech Project.

Nighat Dad

(Chair)Executive Director, Digital Rights Foundation, Pakistan.

Murithi Mutiga

independent journalist and Project Director, Horn of Africa, International Crisis Group.

Julie Owono

Executive Director, Internet Sans Frontières.

Courtney Radsch

independent journalist and expert on internet moderation and regulation.

Bruce Schneier

internationally renowned security technologist and prolific author.

Milestones

2010

Research Initiative

2010

Launched systematic study of speech patterns that precede mass violence worldwide.

2015

Counter-Speech Framework

2015

Developed evidence-based strategies for responding to dangerous rhetoric without censorship.

2020

Platform Partnerships

2020

Expanded training programs for tech companies and civil society organizations globally.

Photo Highlights

Key moments and events from the organization

Contact

Get in touch with Dangerous Speech Project

Social

Visit Website