Since its launch in June 2024, the World Jewish Congress’s Technology and Human Rights Institute (TecHRI) has made significant strides in advancing online safety, combating antisemitism, and promoting human rights through the use of technology. Despite the challenges posed by global events, including the aftermath of the October 7th attacks in Israel, the Institute has effectively leveraged partnerships, projects, and advocacy initiatives to advocate for a safer online environment for Jewish communities and society at large.
Strategic Projects and Initiatives
- Building Bridges and Combating Antisemitism Together (Bridges Project): TecHRI has played a pivotal role in the EU-funded Bridges Project, bringing together Jewish communities, government officials, and experts to strengthen the European Union’s strategy for combating antisemitism. With events in Paris, Budapest, Brussels, and Bratislava, the project has facilitated critical conversations, trainings, and coalition-building, equipping stakeholders with the tools to implement effective antisemitism prevention strategies.
- HO:PE – Hate Online: Preparedness and Empowerment: The HO:PE Project, supported by the European Commission, empowers Jewish communities across the EU to identify and report antisemitic online content. TecHRI spearheaded the creation of an easy-to-use reporting tool, available as a desktop extension and mobile widget, which has already made a meaningful impact in strengthening the capacity of communities to tackle online hate.
- Human vs. AI: Understanding Online Antisemitism: In collaboration with AI experts, TecHRI analyzed the ability of generative AI systems to detect online antisemitism, comparing human insights with AI-based predictions. The findings, presented at a key conference in Warsaw, highlighted key trends in online hate speech, including the weaponization of terms like "Zionist" and the rise of coded language. This project will continue to inform future strategies in AI and online safety.
High-Impact Events and Public Engagements
- High-Level Panel at the Global Forum Against Terror in Argentina: TecHRI published a groundbreaking report on how terrorist groups exploit alternative online communication channels to promote violence. The research, presented at a joint meeting of the WJC Special Envoys and Coordinators on Combating Antisemitism and the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians in Argentina, shed light on how groups like Hamas circumvent platform policies and continue to spread their propaganda.
- Launch Event in New York: The inaugural meeting of TecHRI’s Advisory Council took place during the UN General Assembly in September 2024. The event gathered key figures to discuss advancing human rights through technology, with an emphasis on strengthening collaborations with tech companies to combat online hate.
- December Webinar on Human vs. AI: TecHRI’s webinar on the comparison of personal experiences of antisemitism and AI’s role in detecting hate speech was a major success. With hundreds of attendees, the session provided valuable insights into how AI can improve the detection of online hate and how human perspectives can be incorporated into technological solutions.
Publications and Research
TecHRI continues to lead in the production of cutting-edge research that shapes policy and public understanding of online antisemitism. Notable publications include:
- The Bias Against Israel on Wikipedia – A report on the bias and misinformation surrounding Israel, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- A Flood of Hate – A detailed investigation into how Hamas exploited social media to spread violence and dehumanize Jews after the October 7th attacks.
- AI and the Holocaust – A comprehensive study in collaboration with UNESCO on the ethical implications of generative AI in Holocaust education and the potential for AI-driven Holocaust denial.
Advocacy and Influence
- Meta’s New Policy on Antisemitism: In a landmark move following years of advocacy by TecHRI, Meta expanded its policies to classify the misuse of the term “Zionist” as a proxy for “Jew” as antisemitic hate speech. This policy change marks a significant victory in the fight against antisemitism online and is a testament to TecHRI’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with tech companies to enhance their response to hate speech.
- Public Comment to the Oversight Board: In July 2024, TecHRI submitted a public comment to Meta’s Oversight Board advocating for stronger regulations on the dissemination of terrorist content. The submission underscored the need for effective content moderation to prevent the spread of radicalizing materials online.
- TecHRI Speaking Engagements: The staff of TecHRI has spoken at numerous conferences and events, including the “Eradicate Hate” event in Pittsburgh; the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly; the Virtual Roundtable Discussion of Online Antisemitism hosted by Indiana University's Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism; a high-level conference in Brussels focusing on the safety and resilience of Jewish communities across the continent, and more.
Looking Ahead
As TecHRI moves into 2025, the focus will continue to be on empowering communities, advancing the fight against online hate, and strengthening collaborations with tech platforms and global policymakers. The Institute remains committed to enhancing the safety of Jewish communities and fostering a digital environment where human rights are safeguarded.
