Ctrl+Alt+Empathy is a European project funded by the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, aiming to combat hate speech, discrimination and toxic behaviour in online gaming communities.
As online gaming continues to play an important role in young people's lives, it also presents challenges related to harassment, exclusion and discrimination, particularly for young gamers from vulnerable groups. Ctrl+Alt+Empathy seeks to address these challenges by promoting empathy, inclusion, digital citizenship and safer online spaces across Europe. The project also recognises the potential of gaming as a space for connection, creativity and social interaction, where young people can build communities free from discrimination.
To achieve this, Ctrl+Alt+Empathy focuses on several key areas:
Capacity-building for youth workers and educators: Providing practical tools, training and methodologies to recognise, prevent and address hate speech in online gaming environments.
Youth empowerment and active participation: Encouraging young gamers to challenge discriminatory behaviour, promote empathy and contribute to more positive online interactions.
Digital innovation: Developing an AI-powered platform and a serious game to raise awareness, support learning and encourage responsible online behaviour.
Cross-sector collaboration: Bringing together young people, parents, educators, game developers, law enforcement authorities, civil society organisations and policymakers to develop coordinated responses to online hate speech.
Awareness-raising and policy development: Promoting inclusive gaming practices and producing policy recommendations to support sustainable change beyond the project's lifetime.
Through these activities, the project aims to strengthen the ability of individuals and organisations to respond to online hate speech while encouraging young people to take an active role in shaping safer and more respectful digital communities.
Coordinated by United Societies of Balkans (USB), Ctrl+Alt+Empathy brings together European partners Pistes Solidaires (France), ENCRE (Belgium), Con Valores - ICV (Spain), CSI (Cyprus), ESPORTS (Estonia) and the Hellenic Police (Greece). Together, the consortium aims to combat hate speech and discrimination in online gaming, fostering safer, more inclusive and respectful digital communities across Europe.