NEW YORK – After a decision by Meta’s Oversight Board to address Holocaust denial content more seriously on its platforms, Yfat Barak-Cheney, director of Technology and Human Rights at the World Jewish Congress, released the following statement:
“The World Jewish Congress welcomes the decision of Meta’s Oversight Board to overturn the company’s original stance on an Instagram post containing false and misleading claims about the Holocaust. This decision, which aligns with the board’s stated commitment to combat hate speech, is a significant step toward acknowledging and addressing the concerning continued presence of Holocaust denial on Meta’s platforms.
“The Oversight Board’s findings on the ineffectiveness of Meta’s current moderation systems in identifying and removing Holocaust denial content is troubling. We have long advocated for more rigorous enforcement of policies against hate speech, and this decision underscores the need for Meta to enhance its capabilities and strategies in this critical area.
“Holocaust denial is not just a distortion of history; it is a blatant form of antisemitism that leads to discrimination and undermines the memory of the millions who suffered. We strongly support the board’s recommendation for Meta to implement technical measures ensuring the systematic and accurate enforcement of its Holocaust denial policies.
“We call upon Meta to use this decision as a catalyst for change, adopting a more consistent and granular approach in monitoring and enforcing its hate speech policies. The World Jewish Congress will continue to work with platforms like Meta to create a safer, more respectful online environment. We look forward to seeing Meta’s response to these recommendations and the steps it will take to address these critical issues.”
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