CyberWell confirms futher effort to battle hate online

CyberWell, a nonprofit organization at the forefront of combating online antisemitism, has released its comprehensive annual report for the year 2023. It sheds light on the pervasive nature of anti-Semitic content across social media platforms. Through the use of cutting-edge AI technology, CyberWell meticulously monitored and analyzed over 150,000 posts in both English and Arabic, identifying patterns and trends indicative of antisemitic rhetoric. This extensive monitoring effort provided valuable insights into the alarming prevalence of hate speech targeting the Jewish community online.

One of the key findings of CyberWell’s report is the notable increase in moderation efforts by major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. These platforms have demonstrated a heightened commitment to combating antisemitism, with the average removal rate of offensive content rising from nearly 24% in 2022 to over 32% in 2023. This uptick in moderation reflects a growing recognition among tech companies of the urgent need to address hate speech and protect vulnerable communities from online harassment and discrimination.

Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, the founder and executive director of CyberWell, underscored the significance of these findings, emphasizing that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to effectively stem the spread of hate and safeguard Jewish users online. Of particular concern is a disturbing narrative shift detected in Arabic posts following a specific event, wherein there was a noticeable increase in violent antisemitic rhetoric. This underscores the dynamic nature of online hate speech and the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to counteract it.

In addition to monitoring and reporting antisemitic content to platform moderators, CyberWell also provides contextualized guidance to social media companies, empowering them to better understand and address the nuances of online hate speech. By leveraging its expertise and insights, CyberWell aims to bridge the gap between policy enforcement and the evolving landscape of online antisemitism, ultimately striving to create safer and more inclusive digital spaces for all users.

The report further delves into the leading antisemitic tropes propagated on each platform, shedding light on the specific forms of hate speech that persist in online spaces. From the perpetuation of age-old stereotypes to the dissemination of conspiracy theories, the report highlights the multifaceted nature of online antisemitism and the importance of tailored interventions to combat it effectively.

As social media continues to serve as a battleground for the dissemination of information and disinformation, CyberWell remains steadfast in its commitment to combating online antisemitism. Through partnerships, education initiatives, and real-time alerts, CyberWell is actively influencing social media platforms to adopt proactive measures against online hate speech. By indexing verified antisemitic posts in an open database and advocating for policy changes, CyberWell is playing a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape and fostering a culture of tolerance and respect online.

For more information on CyberWell’s initiatives and the full report on antisemitic trends in 2023, visit their website at https://cyberwell.org/