TecHRI takes on the rise of online antisemitism, enhances human rights, and harnesses technology for positive societal impact. Read the latest updates here.

NEW YORK — Reacting to Meta’s announcement regarding changes to content moderation on its platforms, Yfat Barak-Cheney, Executive Director of the World Jewish Congress Technology and Human Rights Institute (TecHRI), issued the following comment:  

“We have long been outspoken about the limitations of fact-checking systems, which have often been influenced by political biases and are far from ideal. However, the introduction of Meta’s new community notes feature must be approached with great caution. Platforms like X and Wikipedia, which employ similar user-driven concepts, have demonstrated how easily misinformation and disinformation can be manipulated, and putting the onus on the vulnerable communities to report and correct information online.

In an online environment already marked by hostility, we are deeply concerned that the reduction of protections and clear guidelines will open the floodgates to content that fuels real-world threats, including violent acts targeting Jewish communities and individuals.

Meta has made important strides in recent years to make its platforms safer, and it is critical that this work continues. Rolling back these efforts risks undoing hard-won progress at a time when vigilance against online hate and antisemitism is needed more than ever.”

As we step into 2025, the intersection of technology, societal shifts, and legal frameworks continues to define the landscape of online content moderation. This is particularly critical as online antisemitism, hate speech, and extremist ideologies evolve alongside the platforms and tools that host them. Moreover, they have surged since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 and the ensuing war in the Middle East. Looking forward, several key trends will shape how we address these challenges—and how we fail or succeed in countering the spread of online hatred. 

From Individual Posts to Behavioral Patterns
For years, the focus of content moderation has been on identifying and removing specific pieces of harmful content. However, this approach often misses the broader patterns that lead to radicalization and violence. Increasingly, platforms are shifting their efforts to examine behavioral patterns—how users interact, form groups, and escalate harmful ideologies over time. 

This evolution is crucial. Hate is rarely an isolated incident. It’s a societal process, one that thrives within groups and networks. By identifying patterns earlier, platforms can prevent harm before it fully materializes. For 2025, expect continued advancements in this area, with research into antisemitism serving as a key test case for understanding these dynamics. Antisemitism often underpins broader hate movements, making it a crucial lens for early intervention strategies. 

The Global Free Speech vs. Content Moderation Divide
The tug-of-war between free speech and content regulation is intensifying. In the U.S., the pendulum is swinging toward reduced moderation, fueled by political and cultural trends. Platforms like Twitter (now X) and Truth Social reflect this shift, creating a freer but riskier online environment. 

Meanwhile, Europe is charting the opposite course. The Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes strict requirements on platforms to tackle illegal hate speech, with an emphasis on transparency and accountability. This growing divergence creates tension for global companies, which may adopt inconsistent standards across regions. For researchers, policymakers, and activists, this fragmentation makes it harder to push for meaningful global action against online hate. 

The year ahead will likely see this divide deepen. The U.S. will continue to prioritize free speech, while Europe’s approach could expand as the DSA's enforcement unfolds. How platforms navigate this split—and how civil society engages—will define the boundaries of global content regulation in the near future. 

Fragmentation and Localized Regulation
Regulatory fragmentation isn’t just an international issue; it’s also a domestic one. In the U.S., states like California and Texas have taken it upon themselves to address content moderation, resulting in a patchwork of laws and regulations. While this offers opportunities to advance specific issues—such as Holocaust education and the designation of antisemitic acts as terrorism—it also creates a maze of rules for platforms to navigate. 

This fragmentation benefits bad actors, who can exploit regulatory gaps to spread their messages with relative ease. For 2025, policymakers and researchers must focus on finding ways to close these loopholes while leveraging localized regulation to push forward meaningful standards. 

Decentralized Platforms: A New Challenge
The rise of decentralized and federated platforms, such as Mastodon, BlueSky, and Telegram, presents a growing challenge for content moderation. These platforms, which often lack centralized oversight, allow users to set their own rules—or evade rules altogether. As a result, hate speech and extremist content migrate quickly from mainstream platforms to these less-regulated spaces. 

The trend toward decentralization is likely to accelerate in 2025. To counter this, we need to equip individuals and communities with the tools to moderate content within their own digital spaces. This includes developing accessible lexicons for identifying antisemitism and other forms of hate, as well as creating user-friendly moderation tools for decentralized platforms. 

The Double-Edged Sword of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing content moderation, offering tools to scale detection and enforcement. However, AI systems are far from perfect. They often struggle to identify the coded, nuanced nature of hate speech and antisemitism, especially as extremists become more sophisticated in masking their intent. 

Generative AI adds another layer of complexity. In 2025, expect to see an increase in the use of AI to create hate-filled content, from memes and videos to fully scripted podcasts. To counter this, we must focus on refining AI systems to detect these threats while addressing inherent biases that could hinder their effectiveness. 

A Call for Collaboration
As we face these trends, one thing is clear: Collaboration is key. Addressing online hate requires a united effort from researchers, policymakers, platforms, and civil society. The intersection of technological innovation, legal frameworks, and societal change is a complex space, but with coordinated action, we can begin to make real progress. 

The challenges of 2025 may seem daunting, but they also present opportunities. By staying ahead of these trends, we can build a safer, more inclusive digital landscape—one where hate has no place to flourish. 

The World Jewish Congress Institute for Technology and Human Rights (TecHRI) and the Coalition to Counter Online Antisemitism invite you to a webinar called Human vs. AI: Comparison of Online Antisemitism Experience, being held on December 19.

The webinar will reveal the findings of a three-month project that compares personal insights from two Jewish individuals affected by online hate with analyses from generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude, aiming to improve AI systems in detecting hate speech.

The Institute strives to address the growing issue of online antisemitism and the ethical implications surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in relation to antisemitism, as well as Holocaust denial and distortion. TecHRI empowers Jewish communities worldwide to combat this scourge of online hate by providing critical tools and knowledge through its webinars, reports, and workshops, fostering digital literacy while advocating for a safer online environment.

Watch the webinar here.

BRATISLAVA – As part of its mission to address the critical issue of online hate speech – a pervasive issue facing global Jewry - the EU-funded Building Bridges for Combating Antisemitism Together (Bridges) initiative held its fourth training session on Wednesday and Thursday, December 11-12. 

Led by the World Jewish Congress and CEJI - A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe, in local partnership with host Council of Jewish Communities in Slovakia, the two-day event convened Jewish community representatives, public officials, and technology experts in Bratislava. 

The first session of the day provided an in-depth overview of online hate speech, focusing on its definition, general standards across platforms, and the legal frameworks governing it. Aiming  to incorporate the work of the EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, the session also briefly reviewed other publications including the EU-funded Networks Overcoming Antisemitism (NOA) Project reports, and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue’s publication The Fragility of Freedom: Online Holocaust Denial and Distortion, which includes an article co-authored by WJC’s Yfat Barak-Cheney, Executive Director of the Technology and Human Rights Institute (TecHRI), and Hannah Maman, Project Manager at TecHRI. 

Through collaborative mapping and strategic partnerships, participants developed short-term action plans to combat antisemitic hate speech online. The event empowered local leaders with tools to monitor progress, foster collaboration across sectors, and drive meaningful change. This fourth training reinforced the Bridges project's commitment to building sustainable partnerships and promoting inclusivity, equipping Jewish communities across Europe to effectively address online hate and advocate for change. 

Read the full article here.

WJC's Yfat Barak-Cheney, Executive Director of the Technology and Human Rights Institute (TecHRI), along with Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, the founder and Executive Director of CyberWell, and Dr. Matthias J. Becker, an expert in cognitive linguistics, discourse analysis, and social media studies, with a particular focus on the study of hate speech within the political mainstream, led a virtual roundtable discussion on the topic of online antisemitism hosted by Indiana University's Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism.

Watch the webinar here.

BRUSSELS - In the wake of the 7 October attacks and the resulting surge in antisemitic threats and attacks across Europe, the World Jewish Congress (WJC), in collaboration with the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, and the European Jewish Congress (EJC), convened a high-level conference in Brussels focusing on the safety and resilience of Jewish communities across the continent. The event highlighted best practices and effective strategies, with a particular focus on safeguarding places of worship. In response to the rise in terrorist attacks targeting synagogues and Jewish centers, the conference underscored the urgent need for collaboration between public authorities and Jewish leaders.

Held at the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the European Union, the conference brought together public officials, security experts, and Jewish community leaders to address the critical challenges facing Jewish life at the European Union level . Discussions explored the evolving security landscape, the impact of global terrorism, and the tools needed to protect vulnerable communities.

Read the full article here.

WASHINGTON D.C. –  The World Jewish Congress (WJC) participated in the annual Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly on Monday, where Jewish leaders from across North America came together to address the unprecedented challenges regarding Israel’s existence, antisemitic hate crimes emerging across the Diaspora, and the future of Jewish life.

At the General Assembly, leaders, activists, and policymakers collaborated on strategies to strengthen security and Jewish values worldwide, emphasizing solidarity in addressing rising challenges to the Jewish community. Key topics included enhancing the protection of Jewish communities, addressing hate speech and online extremism, and fostering international cooperation to safeguard Jewish heritage and institutions.

Yfat Barak-Cheney, WJC’s Executive Director of the Institute for Technology and Human Rights (TECHRI) and Director of International Affairs, participated in a panel addressing the alarming rise of antisemitism across social media platforms like Telegram and Meta. She was joined by Rick Lane, Founder and CEO of IGGY Ventures LLC; Adam Neufeld, Chief Operating Officer of ADL; and Gretchen Barton, Founder of Worthy Strategy Group. Moderated by Jason Wuliger, Chair of the Domestic Policy & Government Affairs Council at the Jewish Federations of North America, the discussion focused on the evolution of online anti-Jewish hatred, potential legislative actions Congress can take, and the vital work of the WJC Institute for Technology and Human Rights in combating this extreme form of hate.

Read the full article here.

NEW YORK— The World Jewish Congress held the first meeting of the Technology and Human Rights Institute’s (TecHRI) advisory council at its New York offices this morning, coinciding with the UN General Assembly. The closed breakfast meeting brought together key figures to discuss the Institute’s priorities for addressing online hate and advancing human rights through technology. Participants stressed the importance of building broader coalitions with tech companies to enhance transparency and provide researchers with better access to data, facilitating stronger evidence of the link between online hate and real-world harm.

Read the full article here.

NEW YORK – The World Jewish Congress (WJC) today commended Meta's announcement that it will expand its policies to classify the misuse of the term 'Zionist' as a proxy for 'Jews' as antisemitic and Tier 1 hate speech. This landmark decision, following years of advocacy by the WJC, its affiliated Jewish communities, and other organizations, marks a significant step in combating the veiled antisemitism that has proliferated under the guise of political discourse and has skyrocketed since October 7.

Read the full article here.

In its submission to the Oversight Board, the World Jewish Congress highlights the growing concern of online violence and its real-world consequences: 

“The escalation of online violence and its real-world repercussions are observable and deeply concerning. In July 2024, the WJC, in cooperation with Memetica, published a report entitled “From Virtual Vortex to Real Life Violence. The Links Between Online Antisemitism & Offline Terrorism” that analyses this connection in detail and calls for enhanced content moderation, international cooperation, and support for de-radicalization to combat this threat effectively. The report is relevant also to this request for comment, as it offers insights into the use of “third parties” by terrorist organizations to avoid bans on their content and propaganda on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram…” 

Therefore, we recommend that the oversight board upholds Meta’s existing regulations governing the dissemination and posting of terrorist videos. This will protect its users from radicalization and psychological repercussions, while also holding terrorists accountable and prohibiting the unfettered dissemination of their propaganda.” 

To read our full submission click here.  

LATIN AMERICA - The World Jewish Congress partnered with UNESCO, the Latin American Jewish Congress, B’nai B’rith International, and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, earlier this week, to organize a training addressing the rise of antisemitism online in Latin America following the Hamas perpetrated terrorist attack on October 7th.   

In his keynote remarks, Ambassador Federico Villegas, former Permanent Representative of Argentina to International Organisations in Geneva and former President of the UN Human Rights Council, underscored the intrinsic link between the advocacy for human rights and the fight against antisemitism, saying “neither can one speak nor defend human rights without fighting against antisemitism, it’s as simple as that.” 

Ambassador Villegas highlighted three critical strategies to fight antisemitism: leveraging technology for Holocaust education, reinforcing the commitment to the principles established by the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and initiating key discussions on the impact of social media and AI on society.

Read the full article here.

In an effort to train Jewish community leaders to combat antisemitism, World Jewish Congress, in partnership with CEJI - A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe, launched the European Union funded Bridges Project.

The training sessions provide a comprehensive agenda focused on understanding and responding to antisemitic online hate speech. Participants engage in interactive workshops, discussions, and presentations led by experts in the field. Notably, participants also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from social platforms Meta and TikTok, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with tech platforms in combating online hate. 

WJC's Director of Technology and Human Rights, Yfat Barak Cheney, emphasized the importance of these trainings, stating, "The Bridges Project is committed to empowering Jewish communities with the tools and knowledge needed to combat antisemitism effectively. Through these training sessions, participants gain valuable insights and develop action plans to address online hate speech in their communities." 

Read the full article here.

BRUSSELS – The World Jewish Congress, together with the American Jewish Committee, B’nai B’rith Europe, B’nai B’rith International, European Jewish Congress, and the European Union of Jewish Students, called on European Commission leaders to strengthen measures to address online antisemitism. The letter addressed to European Commissioner Thierry Breton, European Commission Director-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology Roberto Viola, and Deputy Director-General Renate Nikolay comes following the entry into force of the Digital Services Act (DSA) earlier this week. 

The surge in antisemitic incidents across Europe, both online and offline, has been staggering. This disturbing trend is further exacerbated by the proliferation of Holocaust distortion and the glorification of terror. The impact on Jewish communities is profound, with individuals facing harassment and violence in online spaces. The response of digital platforms to hateful content has been inadequate, perpetuating further fear and frustration. 

Read the letter here.