Analysis: reasons for surge may still be unclear, but one point of growing consensus is that action is required
The coronavirus pandemic has been punctuated by outbursts of online hate that have had real-world consequences. The most alarming examples are the 6 January riot in Washington, which was spurred by rightwing groups organising online, and the racist abuse of England footballers during Euro 2020 that culminated in a mural of Marcus Rashford being defaced in Manchester.
Following the killing of Sir David Amess, there have been renewed concerns about whether lockdowns have created the conditions for a surge in hate, as frustrated extremists or people vulnerable to radicalisation hunkered down over their laptops and mobile phones.
