About HONR Network
HONR Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 by Lenny Pozner after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Its volunteers find and report online hoaxes, harassment and hate aimed at victims of mass-casualty events and their families.
Today, the fight to protect the memory of Noah Pozner and the other victims and families impacted by the Sandy Hook massacre continues. But since 2014, countless others affected by mass-casualty tragedies and widely publicized violence, individuals targeted with online hate and harassment campaigns, as well as officials baffled as to what to do about the proliferation of online hate, have reached out for advice and assistance.
Recognizing the lack of protection for victims, the fundamental misunderstanding of the difference between protected “free speech” and illegal harassment and hate speech, and an often tone deaf response by politicians, lawmakers, law enforcement, and even social media platforms themselves, the focus of the HONR Network has expanded.
- Our goal is to empower victims and their families through education and advocacy.
- Our goal is to provide education to victims as well as to law enforcement, employers, and others who deal with victims of online aggression.
- Our goal is to help craft impactful policy and legislative reform that makes the internet a safer, more inclusive place for all.
HONR Network is a Sandy Hook nonprofit founded in 2014 by Lenny Pozner.
Empowers
Victims and their families
HONR Network, founded by Sandy Hook father Lenny Pozner, supports victims and families affected by mass violence, conspiracy theories, cyber hate and online harassment. We help them understand the online climate, protect their digital presence, and work with platforms to reduce attacks. Through our professional network, we also connect them with legal, media, and counseling support.
Educates
Social media and internet users
At HONR, we believe education is the first line of defense against online hate and harassment. We work with media and social platforms to expose cyberhate, teach people how to identify and report illegal content, and promote awareness of users’ rights and responsibilities online. Education is central to HONR’s mission and long-term impact.
Advocates
For effective anti-harassment policy
HONR is a non-partisan organization that works with policymakers to develop practical solutions to combat cyber hate and harassment while protecting free speech. We advise on cyber hate issues, report its impact on victims and communities, and partner with social media and internet providers to address abuse and strengthen anti-harassment policies.
Hoax Sites and Conspiracy Theorists Emerge in the Wake of the Tragedy
Within hours of the Sandy Hook shooting, conspiracy theorists began claiming it was a hoax and that the grieving parents were “crisis actors.” Noah Pozner’s family became a main target, and the harassment that followed led Lenny Pozner to found HONR Network. Read the full story, the evidence and the court rulings in The Sandy Hook hoax: what the evidence and courts show.
41% of Americans
Have Personally Experienced Harassment Online.
Source: Pew Research Center, “Online Harassment 2017”, Jul 11 2017.
Together, Through Empowerment, Education, and Advocacy We Can Effect Change and Create a Safer More Inclusive Online Experience for All.
Help Us Achieve This Goal.
Donate Now