In this episode, we examine how online hate doesn’t stay confined to the digital world—it spills over into real-life violence, and real-world events, in turn, fuel even more polarisation online.

Key topics discussed:

• The Amsterdam riots: How an online content escalated street violence, leading to arrests, injuries, and an international political reaction.

• The UK riots of 2024: Iman Atta from Tell MAMA UK explains how misinformation about an attack in Southport spread on social media, fuelling violent protests and attacks on minority communities.

• The role of disinformation, political rhetoric, and online platforms in shaping narratives that lead to real-world harm.

• The Digital Services Act (DSA)—Can regulation help break these cycles of hate and hold platforms accountable?

Guest interview:

Iman Atta, Director of Tell MAMA UK about how misinformation on X and Telegram mobilised extremist groups and escalated violence in the UK.