What is the social benefit of hate speech detection research? A Systematic Review

TL;DR

By adopting appropriate ethical frameworks, NLP researchers may enable the social impact potential of hate speech research by enabling the social impact potential of hate speech research.

Abstract

While NLP research into hate speech detection has grown exponentially in the last three decades, there has been minimal uptake or engagement from policy makers and non-profit organisations. We argue the absence of ethical frameworks have contributed to this rift between current practice and best practice. By adopting appropriate ethical frameworks, NLP researchers may enable the social impact potential of hate speech research. This position paper is informed by reviewing forty-eight hate speech detection systems associated with thirty-seven publications from different venues.