Police commissioner calls on tech companies to help tackle online hate crime

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg says it's time for technology companies to work with police forces, like his, to help victims of online hate crimes.

He made the comments ahead of an appearance by representatives from Google, Facebook and Twitter at the Home Affairs Select Committee in Parliament, later today.

While online hate crimes still only make up a small percentage of reported crime, Mr Hogg claims that his force - and many others - worry that there are a large amount of these crimes that go unreported, because of fear of the attacks getting worse.

Speaking to TFM, he said:

"The impact on the individuals who are victims of such hate crimes is really quite debilitating - it undermines their confidence, they don't wish to leave and they don't actually feel comfortable doing the things that we all do - looking at your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

"So even within their own home, they feel open and vulnerable to attack.

"I think technology companies need to step up to the plate, take a more responsible attitude - they'll find a willingness within the police service to work with them, to help them successfully take forward prosecutions and help the victims."