Violent Hate Speech Targeting Muslims Approved by Social Media Giants Ahead of German Elections

New research from Eko, a corporate responsibility nonprofit, has found that social media giants Meta and X approved numerous ads containing violent anti-Muslim hate speech in the lead-up to Germany’s federal elections, TechCrunch.com reported. The study revealed that both platforms permitted ads featuring inflammatory language and imagery targeting Muslims, despite policies against hate speech.

The ads included derogatory terms for Muslim refugees, calling them “viruses” and “vermin,” and advocated for extreme measures such as imprisonment and violence. Eko’s tests showed that X approved all ten of its submitted hate speech ads, while Meta allowed five out of ten, citing potential risks to political sensitivity for the rejected ads.

The timing of these approvals is particularly concerning, as immigration has become a central issue in the political discourse surrounding the elections. The research also highlighted a disturbing trend of antisemitism, with ads suggesting Jewish people are manipulating narratives for economic gain.

Eko’s findings underscore significant flaws in the ad review processes of both platforms, raising questions about their commitment to preventing hate speech. As Germany prepares to vote, civil society groups are calling for stricter enforcement of regulations to protect vulnerable communities from the spread of hate online. The situation poses a critical challenge for maintaining democratic integrity in the face of rising intolerance.