#USA #New York #Antisemitism #Simon Wiesenthal Center #Online Hate

Simon Wiesenthal Center's 2025 Digital Terror and Hate Report

In a stark revelation, the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC), a prominent Jewish human rights organization, has unveiled its 2025 Digital Terror and Hate Report Card. This critical examination highlights the alarming failure of major social media platforms in addressing widespread hate rhetoric, especially antisemitism and extremism. The report is part of a pressing initiative that underscores the urgent need for accountability in the digital space.

The Report Overview

Presented at a press conference held with the New York City Council and in tandem with the California State Legislature, the report utilizes a meticulous nine-point grading rubric. Platforms are evaluated based on 36 factors, including their responsiveness to flagged hate speech, enforcement of content policies, transparency, cooperation with law enforcement agencies, and adherence to international standards like the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. The results are troubling; the vast majority of these platforms received failing or near-failing grades, calling attention to a systemic neglect in combating antisemitism online.

Grades Breakdown

Only a select few platforms managed to achieve acceptable grades, with Roblox being the standout performer, receiving a B+ for its efficient content moderation and emergency response protocols. The report categorizes several platforms as follows:

• - Failing: Telegram, Gab
• - D-range: Amazon Music, Discord, Steam, Truth Social, and several others
• - C-range: Facebook/Instagram, Google/YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn

Alarmingly, no platform earned grades in the A or B range, illustrating a staggering gap in effective hate management strategies across the industry. With over 3 billion users impacted by these low-performing platforms, the stakes are high.

The Consequences of Inaction

Vladislav Khaykin, the Executive Vice President of Social Impact Partnerships at SWC, emphasized the real-world implications of these grades, stating, “These grades aren't just letters. They reflect whether users are being protected or exposed to harm.” He noted the irony of a foreign-owned platform like TikTok, which has come under scrutiny for its potential anti-American influences, scoring higher than several domestic platforms.

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the Director of Global Social Action for SWC, painted a grim picture of the digital ecosystem, asserting that extremist ideologies, antisemitism, and terrorism are rampant on both mainstream and alternative platforms. He articulated that this isn't merely about hate speech anymore but represents a coordinated war on truth, democracy, and human dignity.

Recommendations for Action

In light of these findings, the Simon Wiesenthal Center has put forth several urgent recommendations to improve the situation:
1. Reinstate and enforce recently eliminated moderation policies.
2. Permanently ban accounts linked to terrorist activities.
3. Develop strategies to identify and disrupt state-sponsored disinformation campaigns.
4. Publicly commit funds to digital literacy initiatives.
5. Ensure transparency in algorithmic decision-making by platforms.

Access the Full Report

For those interested in a more detailed look at the findings and the individual platform grades, the full 2025 Digital Terror and Hate Report Card is available for access at Simon Wiesenthal Center's official site.

About the Simon Wiesenthal Center

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is a renowned global Jewish human rights organization that combats antisemitism and advocates for the State of Israel, using the lessons of the Holocaust to promote tolerance and combat hate. Holding consultative status with various international institutions including the United Nations, the center operates in key locations worldwide, advocating for justice and human rights.

In summary, the findings of the SWC report serve as a wake-up call to both social media companies and the public about the rampant neglect of hate speech and extremism in digital spaces, urging immediate reform and action.