The tool provides a coherent methodology for the analysis of cases of hate speech. It is based on the Rabat Plan of Action (2012). It helps to make a clear distinction between hate speech that is criminally punishable, hate speech that is not criminally punishable but would justify civil or administrative sanctions and hate speech that just "raises concerns in terms of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights of others". The tool's methodology relies on a six-part threshold test/categories:
1. the context of the speech
2. the speaker
3. the intent
4. the content and the form of the speech
5. the extent of the speech and
6. the likelihood of the speech to produce immediate action against its targets.
Council of Europe