Meta and X have approved advertisements containing violent anti-Muslim and antisemitic hate speech ahead of Germany’s federal elections, according to a study by Eko, a corporate responsibility nonprofit. The research tested the platforms‘ ad review systems, revealing a troubling trend in the approval of ads targeting minority groups.
In mid-February, researchers submitted various ads featuring hateful messaging, which were quickly approved. The federal elections are scheduled for February 23, 2025, making the timing of these approvals particularly concerning.
Ad Approvals and Content
Eko reported that X approved all ten hate speech ads submitted, while Meta approved five out of ten. The rejected ads by Meta were flagged for potential political or social sensitivity. However, the approved ads included extreme hate speech, such as likening Muslim refugees to a „virus“ and calling for violence against Jewish communities.
AI-generated imagery depicting violence against religious sites was also used in some ads, raising questions about the platforms‘ compliance with their own policies regarding the disclosure of AI content.
Concerns Over Content Moderation
The findings indicate significant flaws in the content moderation systems of both platforms. Eko’s tests suggest that neither Meta nor X effectively enforces their stated bans on hate speech in advertising. This raises concerns about the potential for these platforms to profit from the distribution of violent and hateful content.
As the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to regulate online hate speech, Eko’s research highlights ongoing issues with Meta’s moderation practices, suggesting a regression in their approach despite the new regulations.
Regulatory Actions
The European Commission is currently investigating both Meta and X for their handling of political ads and hate speech. These investigations could lead to significant penalties if breaches of the DSA are confirmed. However, the outcomes remain uncertain as the Commission continues its review process.
With the elections approaching, the implications of these findings are profound. Civil society groups are calling for stronger regulatory action to prevent the spread of hate speech and misinformation in digital advertising.
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