How does Facebook define hate speech in its reporting guidelines?

Facebook defines hate speech in its reporting guidelines as content that attacks or incites violence against individuals or groups based on specific protected characteristics. These characteristics include:

### Protected Characteristics

1. **Race**: Content that disparages or promotes violence against individuals based on their race or ethnicity.
2. **Religion**: Content that targets individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs, practices, or affiliations.
3. **National Origin**: Content that attacks individuals based on their nationality or ethnicity.
4. **Sexual Orientation**: Content that discriminates against or attacks individuals based on their sexual orientation.
5. **Gender Identity**: Content that targets individuals based on their gender identity or expression.
6. **Disability**: Content that disparages or attacks individuals based on their physical or mental disabilities.
7. **Serious Disabilities or Diseases**: Content that targets individuals with serious health conditions or disabilities.

### Specific Guidelines for Hate Speech

- **Incitement to Violence**: Hate speech that promotes or incites violence against individuals or groups based on the above characteristics is considered a severe violation.
- **Attacks on Individuals**: Content that directly targets individuals with hate or violence based on their protected characteristics is flagged as hate speech.
- **Dehumanizing Language**: Language that dehumanizes or objectifies individuals based on their protected characteristics is treated as hate speech.
- **Threats and Harassment**: Any threats or harassment directed at individuals or groups based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics fall under hate speech.

### Examples of Hate Speech

- **Racial Slurs**: Using derogatory terms or language that disparages someone based on their race or ethnicity.
- **Religious Intolerance**: Attacking or threatening individuals based on their religious beliefs or practices.
- **Homophobic Remarks**: Making derogatory comments or inciting violence against people based on their sexual orientation.
- **Misgendering or Transphobia**: Harassing or demeaning individuals based on their gender identity.

### Reporting and Enforcement

- **User Reports**: Users can report content they believe constitutes hate speech through Facebook's reporting tools. The platform uses both automated systems and human moderators to review such reports.
- **Content Removal**: Content found to be in violation of Facebook's hate speech policies is typically removed from the platform. The user who posted the content may receive a warning, and repeated violations can lead to account sanctions or bans.
- **Appeals**: Users who disagree with the moderation decisions regarding hate speech can appeal the decisions for further review.

### Summary

Facebook defines hate speech as content that attacks or incites violence against individuals or groups based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. The platform's guidelines aim to prevent and address hate speech through reporting tools, moderation, and enforcement actions.