On December 14, 2024, Cynthia Khoo, senior fellow at The Citizen Lab, participated in a CPAC Town Hall in Ottawa on Online Harms and Cyberbullying. Khoo emphasized that regulating online abuse is essential to protecting freedom of expression, particularly for marginalized communities. She explained that many individuals subjected to harassment, hate speech, and online threats withdraw from online spaces, creating a cycle that stifles open dialogue and hinders democratic participation.
Beyond legal reforms, Khoo also underscored the importance of better support systems for victims and survivors of technology-facilitated hate-based abuse. She stressed the need to educate frontline professionals to ensure those harmed receive appropriate help and are not further traumatized in the process.
Watch the full discussion here. [Panel featuring Cynthia Khoo starts at 41:20]