Fake news and hate speech have become a significant factor in political discussions aimed at suppressing other opinions and/or unduly influencing democratic decision making. Both phenomena corrupt and distort civic dialogue. This study analyses them from a policy, social and technical angle and develops a foundation for policies fighting fake news and hate speech. The study was conducted with the support of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. Part of the research was also an empirical survey among the Members of Congress.