By J-Wire Newsdesk…
Meta platforms have announced a landmark decision, treating the word “Zionist” as a proxy for Jews and removing antisemitic hate speech from the platforms when Zionist is used merely as a disguise for antisemitism.
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder stated, “Meta’s decision is a much-needed advancement in our ongoing fight against online antisemitism and hatred. By recognizing and addressing the misuse of the term ‘Zionist,’ Meta is taking a bold stand against those who seek to mask their hatred of Jews.”
“We appreciate that Meta has truly listened to the voices of Jewish communities that we work with. This policy change will help create a safer, more respectful online environment for everyone. I hope all other platforms will follow Meta’s leadership and take similar action,” added Lauder.
Meta’s decision to ban the use of the term “Zionist” as a slur for Jews is an “important step” in curbing rampant Jew-hatred online, U.S. antisemitism envoy U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS) Ambassador Deborah E. Lipstadt said on Tuesday.
“Meta’s announcement to expand their global policy to now monitor content that targets ‘Zionists,’ when the term is used as a proxy for Jews or Israelis rather than those who support the political movement, is an important step in mitigating the rampant spread of online antisemitism,” tweeted Lipstadt.
Read the full story on J-Wire here.
Read Meta’s policy statement here.
