Online anti-gypsyism in Romania: An alarming phenomenon ignored by social platforms

Between October and December 2024, the TAAO project monitored 161 cases of hate speech against Roma online at national level. Although one of these monitored posts was removed by Facebook after reporting, most of the harmful content remains accessible, highlighting a serious problem: social networks do not treat anti-Gypsism as a serious form of racism.

Where does hate speech most frequently occur? During the monitored period, the we identified as follows:

Facebook – 55 cases, most of which came from private accounts.

TikTok – 31 cases, including posts from media sources.

Instagram – 5 cases from private accounts and 2 from online media.

YouTube – 4 cases, including content from influencers.

A small step forward: Facebook removes racist post after being reported

A Facebook user was reported for publishing a video and statements that labeled Roma as “thieves and crooks.” After being notified, Facebook removed the post in less than 24 hours. This isolated success demonstrates that moderation mechanisms can work, but selectively and inconsistently.

The problem is real, however, and far from being solved. Most hateful content remains available online even after reports have been made.

TAAO research conducted in Romania during the aforementioned period shows that:

• 36 monitored cases contain direct calls for violence against Roma.
• 52 cases used irony and sarcasm to ridicule the Roma community.
• 35 cases contained language that dehumanized Roma.
• 39 cases are based on pseudo-science and codified stereotypes.

What should be done?

• Social networks must enforce their own policies – It is not enough to remove a single post. All content that violates the rules must be sanctioned.
• Legislation must be strengthened – Online antigypsyism must be recognized and punished in the same way as other forms of hatred.Users must continue to report – Although the results are limited, constant pressure can lead to change.

The TAAO project is an initiative implemented by the Nevo Parudimos Association that contributes to the priority area of ​​protecting EU values ​​and rights by combating hate speech and actions, with a particular focus on combating these phenomena existing online against Roma. The project is funded by the European Union.