Meta and X Allow Ads with Violent Hate Speech Targeting Minorities in Germany, New Research Shows
A recent study conducted by Eko, a corporate responsibility nonprofit campaign group, has revealed that social media giants Meta and X approved ads containing violent anti-Muslim and anti-Jew hate speech targeting users in Germany ahead of the country’s federal elections. The researchers tested the platforms’ ad review systems to see if they would approve or reject submissions for ads containing hateful and violent messaging targeting minorities, particularly in the context of immigration being a key issue in mainstream political discourse.
Most of the test ads were swiftly approved in mid-February, just days before Germany’s federal elections scheduled for February 23. X approved all 10 hate speech ads submitted, while Meta approved five and rejected five. The approved ads on Meta included violent hate speech against Muslim refugees and Jews, with messages promoting stereotypes and inciting violence.
Interestingly, despite Meta’s policy requiring disclosure of AI imagery in ads about social issues, elections, or politics, half of the approved hate speech ads did not include such labeling. This raises concerns about the platforms’ content moderation processes and their potential revenue generation from distributing violent hate speech.
Furthermore, the study highlights the lack of enforcement of bans on hate speech by both platforms, despite their claims to apply such policies. This is particularly concerning in light of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to regulate online platforms and hold them accountable for illegal content and hate speech. Eko has submitted its findings to the European Commission, urging action against Meta and X for their failure to comply with DSA regulations.
The investigation into Meta and X by the EU is ongoing, with concerns about election security and illegal content. The Commission has the authority to impose penalties of up to 6% of global annual turnover for confirmed breaches of the DSA. However, pending final decisions, any sanctions remain uncertain.
As German voters prepare to cast their ballots, civil society research suggests that the DSA has not effectively protected the country’s democratic process from tech-fueled threats. Calls for stronger regulatory action against Big Tech platforms like Meta and X are growing, with demands for stricter enforcement of the DSA and pre-election measures to prevent the spread of hate speech and disinformation.
In the face of mounting evidence of platform negligence, regulators must act decisively to safeguard democratic processes and prevent the amplification of harmful content. The pressure on the EU to uphold the DSA and resist external influence, particularly from the U.S., is crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent online environment for all users.
