Meta, X approved ads containing violent anti-Muslim, antisemitic hate speech ahead of German election, study finds

A recent study by Eko, a corporate responsibility nonprofit campaign group, revealed that social media giants Meta and X approved ads targeting users in Germany with violent anti-Muslim and anti-Jew hate speech leading up to the country’s federal elections.

The research conducted by Eko tested the ad review systems of Meta and X to see if they would approve or reject ads containing hateful and violent messaging targeting minorities. These ads included anti-Muslim slurs, calls for immigrants to be imprisoned in concentration camps or to be gassed, and AI-generated imagery of mosques and synagogues being burnt.

Most of the test ads were approved quickly in mid-February, just days before Germany’s federal elections on February 23.

Hate speech ads scheduled

Eko reported that X approved all 10 hate speech ads submitted by their researchers, while Meta approved half of them for running on Facebook (and potentially Instagram). The approved ads contained violent hate speech targeting Muslim refugees and Jews, including dehumanizing language and calls for violence.

Despite Meta’s policy requiring disclosure of AI-generated imagery for certain ads, half of the approved ads did not have this disclosure. X also approved ads containing violent hate speech targeting Muslims and Jews, spreading dangerous and discriminatory messaging.

The findings suggest that both platforms have flaws in their content moderation processes and may be profiting from the distribution of violent hate speech.

EU’s Digital Services Act in the frame

Eko’s tests indicate that Meta and X are not effectively enforcing bans on hate speech in their ad content, despite claims in their policies. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Digital Services Act (DSA) in regulating online platforms.

Eko has shared its findings with the European Commission, which oversees enforcement of the DSA. The EU has ongoing investigations into Meta and X for concerns related to election security and illegal content.

Pending final decisions, any DSA sanctions on Meta and X remain uncertain. The EU is urged to take strong action to address the proliferation of hate speech, incitement to violence, and election disinformation on these platforms.

The campaign group emphasizes the need for regulators to enforce the DSA and implement measures to prevent the spread of harmful content, especially during sensitive periods like elections.