Meta recently made an announcement regarding its policy on hate speech, specifically targeting derogatory references to “Zionists” when used in a manner that targets Jews or Israelis. The social media giant stated that posts on Facebook and Instagram will be removed if they contain antisemitic stereotypes or threats of harm towards Jews or Israelis under the guise of attacking Zionists.
This update comes as a response to concerns raised by many Jewish groups who have noted the misuse of the term “Zionist” as a cover for antisemitic rhetoric. Meta’s decision to ban such language was welcomed by organizations like the World Jewish Congress, with its president Ronald Lauder calling it a “landmark decision” in the fight against online antisemitism.
Input from nearly 150 advocacy groups and experts, including CyberWell, a nonprofit based in Tel Aviv, played a role in shaping Meta’s new policy. CyberWell highlighted the widespread use of “Zionist” as a euphemism for Jews and Israelis and expressed its commitment to monitoring the enforcement of the new guidelines.
While Meta’s updated policy addresses the misuse of “Zionist” in most cases, the company is still deliberating on how to handle instances where the term is used in conjunction with accusations of criminal behavior. The Oversight Board, tasked with reviewing content moderation decisions, is expected to provide guidance on this matter in September.
Overall, Meta’s decision to crack down on hate speech targeting Jews and Israelis through the guise of attacking Zionists reflects a proactive stance in combating online antisemitism and promoting a safer online environment for all users.