Press Release: New report reveals alarming role of social media in amplifying racial intimidation and far-right narratives in Northern Ireland
Updates: Press releases
The ‘Mapping Far Right Activity Online in Northern Ireland Project Report’ captures:
– Social media amplification of NI incidents by figures in British & Irish far right
– Alarming racist rhetoric and disinformation in online community forums
A report launched today (Friday 2 May), authored by the Rabble Cooperative and commissioned by the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) with the support of the Equality Coalition, a network co-convened by CAJ and UNISON, has revealed the alarming role of social media in amplifying racial intimidation and far-right narratives in Northern Ireland.
The report, which features a series of case studies on online activity linked to the discussion and promotion of anti-immigrant and racist incidents in Northern Ireland, finds that while such incidents occur locally, their reach and impact are being significantly amplified by far-right networks, particularly those based in Britain and the Republic of Ireland. In particular, far-right accounts from both jurisdictions have pushed false narratives framing far-right anti-immigration rallies as moments of “two communities… putting their differences aside and coming together,” falsely presenting Catholic and Protestant communities as united under a banner of anti-immigrant sentiment. This framing not only distorts reality but seeks to legitimise racist mobilisation under the guise of communal solidarity.
The report also exposes the innate toxicity of online community forums — notably seemingly innocuous Facebook groups — which quickly became echo chambers for disinformation and unchallenged racist rhetoric. Under the guise of local discussion, these spaces circulate false claims about migrants and refugees, contributing to a climate of hostility and fear. Left unregulated, such platforms facilitate the spread of inflammatory narratives that not only fuel online hate but directly contribute to real-world racist intimidation and violence.
Dessie Donnelly, researcher and author of the report, warned:
“Local incidents of racial intimidation are not isolated; they are cynically amplified through a far-right online ecosystem that distorts public perception. Online community spaces that should foster genuine dialogue have instead become breeding grounds for toxic misinformation that directly endangers migrant and minority communities on the ground.
Platforms must not be allowed to profit from this harm unchecked. We provide clear recommendations: stronger regulation, direct platform engagement to challenge lies and disinformation, and critical alternatives to existing social media ecosystems.
Civil society and public bodies must also act decisively. Silence and inaction are not neutral — they embolden perpetrators. Political representatives must lead from the front: dismantling stereotypes, providing fact-based rebuttals, and calling out racism in all its forms, online and off.”
The report calls for stronger regulation of online platforms, more robust monitoring of far-right amplification tactics, and clear, consistent leadership from political and civic figures to unequivocally reject racism and support targeted communities.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
· The launch of the ‘Mapping Far-Right Activity Online in Northern Ireland Project Report: Case studies on the role of social media in anti-immigration protests and racist incidents’ research report will take place 2nd May 11:00am in Belfast and 6th May 11:00am in Derry. The launch will address questions as to the extent to which last summer’s disorder, subsequent protests and racist incidents have been fuelled by orchestration, disinformation and misinformation online by far-right actors and tropes. Find out more: https://caj.org.uk/rabble-belfast-launch/
Report attached embargoed until 00:01 2nd May 2025
· The Committee on the Administration of Justice (‘CAJ’) is an independent human rights organisation with cross community membership in Northern Ireland and beyond. CAJ was established in 1981 and is based in Belfast. For many years CAJ has had strands of anti-racism and migrant rights work, with a range of interventions seeking strategic policy change. CAJ currently has a strategic partnership project with the Derry-based North West Migrants Forum (NWMF).
· CAJ alongside the trade union UNISON co-convenes the Equality Coalition, a network of 100+ NGOs and trade unions campaigning and engaging on a range of equality issues in Northern Ireland whilst fostering collective solidarity among members and coordinated interventions.
· The Rabble Cooperative is a Belfast based technology cooperative comprised of members with backgrounds in human rights advocacy, trade union organising, policy research, journalism, teaching and facilitation. They support progressive organisations and social movements to realise the power of technology in strategies for social change.