Last week, national coordinators and special envoys for combating antisemitism from Europe, North and South America, and Australia gathered for a meeting with representatives of social media platforms Meta, X, and TikTok. The central question was how online platforms can take responsibility in combating antisemitism.
The group of national coordinators and special envoys works under the chairmanship of the National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism (NCAB) to develop a global approach to online antisemitism. The meeting followed a previous open letter in which they warned social media platforms about the dangers of using algorithms, the challenges in identifying online antisemitism, and improving content moderation. The platforms are urged to take concrete steps to remove antisemitic content more quickly and effectively and to counter its spread.
Many Antisemitic Contents Online
Research by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in 2024 shows that 90% of Jews in Europe encountered online antisemitic content. More than half (55%) faced calls for violence. “These figures are unacceptable,” says Eddo Verdoner, National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism and initiator of the open letter. “What starts online has direct consequences in society and can lead to discrimination and violence. Social media companies must now show that there is no place for antisemitism on their platforms.”
Better Content Moderation, More Transparency
During the meeting with the platforms, three themes were discussed: content moderation, transparency, and concrete measures. All three companies have policies regarding moderation on their platforms, but online antisemitism remains present. The platforms outlined their current measures, and additional measures were discussed. Regarding transparency, the working group urged the platforms to provide more insight into algorithms, moderation decisions, and country-specific figures. Finally, ongoing campaigns and collaborations with civil society organizations were discussed. The working group called for structural improvements in detection and enforcement.
Next Step
The working group and the platforms agreed to continue the conversation and further develop concrete measures. “The spread of online antisemitism is an international challenge,” said Eddo Verdoner. “Only through collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and technology companies can we ensure a safe digital environment for everyone.”
