Meta updates hate speech policy, announces removal of posts targeting 'Zionists'
![](https://i.gzn.jp/img/2024/07/11/meta-hate-speech-update/00_m.jpg)
Meta, which provides Instagram, Facebook, and other services, has announced that it will update its hate speech policy on July 9, 2024, to remove content that includes threats against 'Zionists' who advocate '
Update from the Policy Forum on our approach to 'Zionists' as a proxy for hate speech | Transparency Center
https://transparency.meta.com/en-gb/Hate-Speech-Update-July2024/
![](https://i.gzn.jp/img/2024/07/11/meta-hate-speech-update/01_m.png)
World Jewish Congress Praises Meta Policy Decision to Prevent Antisemitic Use of the Term 'Zionist' - World Jewish Congress
Meta expands hate speech policy to remove more posts targeting 'Zionists' | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/technology/meta-expands-hate-speech-policy-remove-more-posts-targeting-zionists-2024-07-09/
Meta's hate speech policy prohibits direct attacks on people on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or gender.
Previously, the term 'Zionist' was restricted based on the policy only when it reflected anti-Semitic images, such as comparing Zionists to rats, or when the word 'Zionist' in the context of the post clearly meant 'Jews' or 'Israelis.' Meta reflected, 'Our previous guidelines did not adequately reflect how people treat the term 'Zionist' online and offline.'
On July 9, 2024, Meta announced that it would 'go forward to remove content that uses anti-Semitic stereotypes or threatens Jews or Israelis under the guise of attacking Zionists.'
![](https://i.gzn.jp/img/2024/07/11/meta-hate-speech-update/02_m.jpg)
The expanded policy will remove content such as 'claims such as 'Zionists control the media and run the world,'' 'dehumanizing comparisons such as comparisons to pigs, filth, and pests,' 'calls for harm against Jews,' 'posts denying their existence,' and 'mocking posts such as 'Zionists are sick.'' If posts that violate the policy are repeated, the account that posted them will be suspended or removed.
Meta, on the other hand, reported that it was seeking guidance from
![](https://i.gzn.jp/img/2024/07/11/meta-hate-speech-update/03_m.jpg)
Many Jewish groups have criticized the use of the word 'Zionist' instead of 'Jew' as a cover for anti-Semitic rhetoric. World Jewish Congress (WJC) President Ronald Lauder said, 'Meta's decision is a much-needed step in our fight against online anti-Semitism and hate speech. By recognizing and addressing the misuse of the word 'Zionist,' Meta is taking a bold stand against those who indirectly promote hate speech against Jews.'
Lauder added, 'We appreciate Meta's willingness to listen to our Jewish community. These policy changes will create a safer, more respectful online environment for everyone. We hope all other platforms will follow Meta's leadership and take similar action.'
![](https://i.gzn.jp/img/2024/07/11/meta-hate-speech-update/04_m.jpg)
Meanwhile, some Jewish groups have written to Meta to express their concerns, saying the policy change 'has the potential to label any discussion of Zionism or Zionism as anti-Semitic. This move prohibits Palestinians from sharing their daily experiences and history with the world.'
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