A protest in Los Angeles where Paul Kessler was beaten/Twitter
The Washington Post reported today that Meta, the owner of the social networks Facebook and Instagram, is considering more aggressive action against posts that include the word "Zionist" to combat the rising tide of anti-Semitism online.
The company has informed several civil organizations that it is considering tightening the prohibition against incitement using the term, in particular when it is used as a substitute for the word "Jews" and "Israelis".
The director general of the Anti-Defamation League Jonathan Greenblatt told the newspaper: "Whether it comes from the mouth of a staunch anti-Zionist, or a white nationalist, the term 'Zionist' is used as a derogatory term synonymous with 'Jew.'"
The report was given to the newspaper by sources who asked to remain anonymous
on the basis of anonymity, but from the statements of Meta company officials, it can be understood that there is a basis for these things. Company spokesperson Erin McPike said in an official statement that Meta does not allow users to be attacked on the basis of religion or nationality, but the company needs to understand "the use of language in relation to those characteristics," according to her, "while that the term 'Zionist' refers to a person's ideology, which is not a protected characteristic, it can also refer to the Jewish or Israeli people themselves." She added: "Given the increased polarization in public discourse as a result of the events in the Middle East, we believe it is important to examine the way we evaluate posts that are used in the word 'Zionist'".
Anti-Zionist messages on hijacked ads at Harvard University/documentation in social networks according to Article 27 A of the Copyright Law, image processing
Already now, the article said, according to internal guides obtained by the newspaper, Meta is delivering posts that include statements along the lines of "This city is full of Jews, I hate these Zionists," or "We need to kill the Zionists."
The policy now under consideration will expand the criteria for removing posts.
The step was considered in response to the proliferation of anti-Semitic posts following the Hamas attack on October 7.
Greenblatt said: "Anti-Semitic posts use the word 'Zionist' or 'Zionism' in a way that is not only negative, but also anti-Semitic, threatening and shameful."
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A pro-Palestinian demonstration in Washington
A pro-Palestinian demonstration in Washington, November 19, 2023/Reuters
The Washington Post notes that Jewish organizations have previously criticized the company Meta, which they claim is not fighting enough against anti-Semitism.
On the other hand, the intention to act against the use of the word "Zionist" in a negative context caused resentment among activists for freedom of expression and pro-Palestinian activists.
According to them, this step is intended to suppress legitimate political criticism against the Israeli government.
"Zionism is an ideology, not a race," said Nadim Nasheef, founder of a pro-Palestinian organization that deals in the digital field.
According to him, he told Meta that it was a "slippery slope" that would lead to the removal of much content that included legitimate criticism against Israel and Zionism.
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