Study Reveals Meta and X Allow Violent Anti-Muslim and Antisemitic Ads Ahead of German Election

Recent research from Eko, a corporate responsibility nonprofit, has unveiled troubling findings regarding hate speech ads approved by major social media platforms, Meta and X, in Germany ahead of the federal elections. The study indicates that both platforms permitted advertisements containing violent anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish rhetoric, raising concerns about their moderation practices during a critical electoral period.

Meta and X Approve Hate Speech Ads

In mid-February, Eko researchers tested the ad review systems of Meta and X to determine if they would reject or approve ads featuring hateful messaging targeting minorities. The context of these tests is significant, as immigration has become a pivotal issue in the German elections scheduled for February 23.

• Meta approved 5 out of 10 ads with hate speech.
• X approved all 10 ads submitted for review.

Content of Approved Ads

The ads that received approval from both platforms included disturbing messages. Some of the content approved by Meta depicted:

• Anti-Muslim slurs comparing refugees to a “virus” or “vermin.”
• Calls for violence, including threats of gassing or sterilizing Muslim immigrants.

Moreover, X also approved ads that included:

• Accusations against “rodent” immigrants allegedly “flooding” Germany.
• Antisemitic tropes suggesting Jews are manipulating climate change narratives.

Concerns Over Ad Moderation Practices

These findings highlight significant flaws in the ad moderation systems of both Meta and X. Despite claiming to enforce bans on hate speech, the approval of such violent ads raises questions about their actual practices.

Eko’s researchers ensured that none of the approved ads were displayed to users by disabling them before they could run, but the quick approval process suggests a lack of thorough moderation.

Implications of the Digital Services Act

The findings from Eko come at a critical time as the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) is fully in effect. The DSA aims to hold platforms accountable for the content they allow, yet Eko’s research indicates that both Meta and X may be falling short of these obligations.

• Meta’s AI-driven ad moderation systems have been deemed ineffective.
• The European Commission has opened investigations into both companies regarding their handling of political ads and hate speech.

Conclusion: The Need for Stronger Regulations

The results of Eko’s study underscore the urgent need for robust regulatory action. With the DSA aimed at enhancing user safety and preventing the spread of hate speech, it is crucial that both Meta and X align their practices with these regulations.

As the German elections approach, the implications of social media policies on democratic processes are becoming increasingly apparent. Eko calls for the European Commission to take decisive action to enforce compliance with the DSA, ensuring that platforms do not enable the spread of hate and misinformation.

For further insights on this topic, visit Global Witness and explore their findings on algorithmic biases in social media.