A/HRC/29/47 to ban extremist political parties for incitement to ethnic and religiously motivated hatred have not succeeded. 20. New technologies such as the Internet and social media have developed rapidly, but they are unfortunately increasingly used as instruments for the dissemination of racist ideas and hate speech under the supposed anonymity provided by online forums. As noted in his previous report (A/HRC/26/50), the Special Rapporteur is concerned that some extremist groups may have moved their activities to the Internet and social media networks in order to spread their ideas and propaganda with relative impunity. 21. According to information received, extremist movements and groups are actively present on the Internet and social media networks and publish material on their websites or on those of sympathetic organizations, which promote and incite racial discrimination and violence. Not only do those websites and social media networks serve as avenues to spread hate speech and incite racial violence and abuse against specific groups, they are also a means of expanding their network of supporters worldwide, who can easily join in various online events and meetings without the constraint of distance. The Special Rapporteur also notes that, in some countries, systems in place for sanctioning violations of relevant legislation relating to social media are ineffective. 22. By the same token, the Special Rapporteur recognizes that the Internet and social media can be used for preventing the spread of racist ideologies by extremist political parties, groups and movements and notes with appreciation that the mainstream media in some countries have started to recognize the cultural value of diversity and to promote the idea of improving the living and working conditions of members of minorities. Other positive initiatives include the creation of social network-based platforms by civil society organizations at the national level targeting the youth with the specific aim of countering extremism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance, in addition to promoting a democratic culture. IV. Preventing and countering racism and extremism in sport2 23. According to reports received, extremist groups, including neo-Nazis and skinhead groups, operate at sporting venues, in particular football matches, and at some individual professional sporting events. The Special Rapporteur is concerned about an increase in reported cases of racist symbols and banners displayed during football matches, as well as the shouting of racist slogans and the making of racist gestures on those occasions. Those abuses are often targeted at foreign players, players or supporters of African descent, or at others because of their ethnic origin. 24. Given the important role that professional athletes play in inspiring the youth, those incidents are of particular concern. The Special Rapporteur reiterates the view expressed in his previous report (A/HRC/26/50), that there is no place for racism and intolerance in sport. Sport is meant to bring different cultures together in a celebration of healthy competition, and to overcome the social and political divisions that often divide countries and communities. 25. The Special Rapporteur is of the opinion that States, sports federations and other relevant authorities must address the problem of extremist groups, including neo-Nazis, skinhead groups and hooligans at sports events, including football matches. It is imperative 2 8 See also the report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance to the General Assembly (A/69/334).