Twitter/X Fuels Anti-LGBTI Hatred and Harassment in Poland

Poland: X Accused of Amplifying Anti-LGBTI Hate Speech and Harassment

September 16, 2025

Warsaw, Poland – A new report alleges that X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, played a important role in the proliferation of targeted hate and harassment against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) individuals in Poland. The examination details how X’s algorithmic systems and content moderation practices may have contributed to a antagonistic online environment.

The report highlights a surge in technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TfGBV) directed at the Polish LGBTI community.This includes threats of physical violence, online harassment, doxing-the malicious publishing of private information-and other forms of targeted hate speech. Several individuals have reported being forced off the platform due to fear of exposure and ostracization.

Algorithmic Amplification and Business Model Concerns

Researchers from Amnesty International, in partnership with the National conference on Citizenship’s Algorithmic Transparency Institute (ATI), analyzed 163,048 tweets posted between March 1 and March 31, 2025, using 32 research accounts. Their analysis revealed a high prevalence of anti-LGBTI content, notably on accounts following politicians perceived as opposing LGBTI rights.

The study suggests that X’s recommender system, designed to maximize user engagement, inadvertently amplifies harmful content, creating an echo chamber of hate.The platform’s surveillance-based business model, which relies on extensive data collection for targeted advertising, is also cited as a contributing factor. Data privacy concerns and the use of algorithms to influence user behavior are increasingly under regulatory scrutiny in Europe.

Metric	Data
Total Tweets Analyzed	163,048
Research Accounts Used	32
Analysis Period	March 1 – March 31, 2025
Polish-Speaking Content Moderators	2
X Users in Poland	5.33 Million

Personal Stories of Harassment

Aleksandra herzyk, an artist and asexual woman from Krakow, described experiencing targeted harassment after posting about her breast reduction surgery, leading to misgendering and abusive messages. “The things that you read about yourself – they’re not true but somehow, they stay in your head. It’s like death by a thousand cuts,” she stated.

Magda Dropek, an LGBTI and abortion activist, acknowledged the importance of X for interaction and activism but reported a disproportionate influx of anti-LGBTI comments on her posts. “It’s mostly about silencing and to show that this is not your place, your place is to be silent, not to be visible,” she said.

Maja Heban, a trans woman living in Warsaw, expressed frustration with the platform’s tolerance of hateful rhetoric, stating, “Whatever you [other users] can say, it’s okay – comparing LGBT people to animals, to rapists, to pedophiles.Anything goes.”

maja Heban, a Polish trans woman.

Content Moderation Deficiencies and DSA Compliance

The report criticizes X’s limited investment in Polish-language content moderation, with only two dedicated moderators-one of whom is not a native Polish speaker-responsible for covering a population of over 37 million and 5.33 million X users. This lack of resources is seen as a major contributing factor to the spread of TfGBV on the platform.

The findings also raise concerns about X’s compliance with the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires Very Large Online platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks to human rights. X’s risk assessment reportedly failed to adequately address LGBTI-specific harms, and an autonomous audit found its mitigation measures to be weak and ineffective.

Attempts to obtain a response from X regarding these allegations were unsuccessful.Amnesty International sent questions on August 22, 2024, and again on June 25, 2025, but received no reply.

Did You Know? The EU’s Digital services Act (DSA) imposes significant obligations on large online platforms to protect users from illegal and harmful content.

Pro Tip: If you experience online harassment or hate speech, document the evidence (screenshots, links) and report it to the platform and relevant authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TfGBV)? TfGBV refers to the use of digital technologies to perpetrate violence or abuse against individuals based on their gender or sexual orientation.
2. How does X’s algorithm contribute to the problem? X’s recommender system prioritizes engagement,which can inadvertently amplify harmful content that elicits strong reactions.
3. What is the Digital Services Act (DSA)? The DSA is an EU regulation designed to create a safer digital space by imposing obligations on online platforms to address illegal and harmful content.
4. What steps can be taken to address this issue? Improved content moderation,robust algorithmic safeguards,and a shift away from surveillance-based business models are crucial steps.
5. is this issue limited to poland? While this report focuses on Poland, similar concerns exist regarding the spread of hate speech and harassment on social media platforms worldwide.
6. What should users do if they experience hate speech on X? Users should report the content to X and consider documenting it as evidence.
7. What is X’s response to these accusations? As of September 16, 2025, X has not publicly responded to the allegations outlined in the report.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Online Safety

The allegations against X highlight the broader challenges of regulating online hate speech and protecting vulnerable communities in the digital age. The effectiveness of the DSA and similar legislation will depend on rigorous enforcement and a commitment from platforms to prioritize user safety over profit. Experts at the Brookings institution suggest a multi-faceted approach, including improved content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and media literacy education.

The case of Poland’s LGBTI community also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing online harms. Platforms operate across borders,and a coordinated global response is needed to hold them accountable for their impact on human rights.

What are your thoughts on the role of social media platforms in combating hate speech? Do you believe current regulations are sufficient? Share your opinions in the comments below.

How do X’s algorithms contribute to the creation of echo chambers and the reinforcement of prejudices against the LGBTI community in Poland?

The intersection of social media platforms,particularly Twitter (now X),and the rise of anti-LGBTI sentiment in Poland is a complex,concerning issue. This article explores how X contributes to this atmosphere of animosity, detailing specific instances, impacts, and potential solutions.

The Algorithm’s role in Amplifying Hate Speech

X’s algorithms,designed to maximize user engagement,often inadvertently amplify harmful content. This is particularly evident in Poland, where political and social divisions are exploited:

Echo Chambers: the platform’s design can create echo chambers where users are primarily exposed to viewpoints that reinforce thier existing beliefs. This leads to:

Increased polarization.

Reinforced prejudices against the LGBTI community.

Rapid Dissemination: Data, including hate speech, can spread rapidly on X.Misinformation and disinformation relating to LGBTI individuals’ rights and identities are common.

Lack of Moderation: While X has policies against hate speech, enforcement can be inconsistent. This can allow hateful content targeting the LGBTI community to persist unchecked for extended periods.

Case Studies: Examining Real-World Examples

Numerous documented cases demonstrate the impact of X in fueling anti-LGBTI hatred:

Politically Motivated Campaigns: Political actors in Poland have utilized X to disseminate anti-LGBTI rhetoric.This includes:

Targeting LGBTI activists and organizations.

Promoting legislation that discriminates against the community.

Online Harassment: Individuals and groups often coordinate harassment campaigns, including:

Doxing (revealing private information).

Threats of violence.

Cyberbullying against LGBTI individuals.

Incitement to Violence: In some instances, the platform is used to incite violence against LGBTI people, a serious threat.

The Impact on the LGBTI Community

The pervasive nature of anti-LGBTI hate speech on X has a profound impact on the well-being of the Polish LGBTI community:

Mental Health Deterioration: Constant exposure to hate speech leads to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

Increased Fear and Self-Censorship: Members of the community may self-censor their expression or avoid public spaces.

Normalizing Discrimination: Frequent exposure to anti-LGBTI rhetoric gradually normalizes discrimination and prejudice.

Potential Solutions and Practical Tips

Addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach involving the community, X, and external organizations:

X’s Responsibility:

Strengthening hate speech detection and removal.

Implementing greater clarity regarding its algorithms.

working with human rights organizations to develop and enforce community standards.

Community Action:

Reporting hate speech.

supporting LGBTI-inclusive media and platforms.

Building on-the-ground solidarity.

legal and Governmental Action:

Enforcing existing laws against hate speech and discrimination.

Developing and promoting legislation that protects the rights of the LGBTI community.

Holding social media companies accountable for their platform’s impact.

Staying Informed and Taking Action

Understanding the dynamics of online hate speech and its impact is crucial:

Follow Reliable Sources: Staying informed via verified LGBTI organizations.

Report Hate Speech: Learn how to report offensive content on X effectively.

* Advocate for Change: Contacting elected officials and supporting organizations that advocate for LGBTI rights and online safety.