The phenomenon of racism, antisemitism, and deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence on social networks in Europe raises increasing concerns. The platforms, despite their stated efforts to moderate hateful content, show significant gaps in enforcing their own policies. Reports indicate that many contents, including flagrant hate speech, continue to circulate without being removed, fueling a culture of online hate.
Racism on Social Networks
Online racism takes various forms, ranging from hateful comments to direct attacks against individuals or groups. Social networks like Facebook and Instagram have been criticized for their inability to effectively manage this content. A report from the Appeals Centre Europe (ACE) revealed that in 70% of cases, content deemed hate speech was left online, illustrating a lack of consistency in moderation. This situation is particularly concerning for communities that already face discrimination in real life.
Online Antisemitism
Similarly, antisemitic extremism continues to grow on social networks. Videos and hateful messages, often shared by influencers, keep circulating freely. ACE found that content violating YouTube‘s anti-hate policies, such as antisemitic videos, remains available despite reports. This raises important questions about the platforms’ responsibility in the face of rising antisemitic discourse, particularly in sensitive contexts like political rivalries and historical conflicts.
Impact of Deepfakes and AI
Deepfakes, powered by artificial intelligence technologies, also pose an additional risk. These manipulated contents can be used to spread false information, often for xenophobic or hateful purposes. For example, some AI-generated videos related to conflicts, like the one between Russia and Ukraine, have been posted despite violations of TikTok policies. This difficulty in detecting and removing deepfakes contributes to an online environment where misinformation and hate thrive.
An Increase in Appeals and Challenges
In response to the inaction of platforms, European users have begun to mobilize. ACE has recorded over 30,000 appeals, with a notable concentration in France. This trend shows that users are no longer passively accepting the decisions of the platforms. However, not all challenges concern hate speech; cases of unjustified removal, such as that of a photographer whose works were deleted for nudity reasons, add a layer of complexity to the moderation issue.
An Alarming Assessment of Moderation Policies
The ACE report highlights that social media platforms do not consistently adhere to their own standards. In more than two-thirds of decisions regarding hate speech, ACE found that problematic content remained online, which calls into question the effectiveness of the moderation systems in place. The lack of rigor in enforcing these rules can create a climate of hate and intimidation online, which has real consequences for targeted individuals and communities.
These issues raise fundamental questions about the future of social networks and the need for reforms to effectively combat online hate. Reference articles, such as recent works available on SAFIG, show that the persistence of hate on these platforms demands urgent attention and concrete actions to protect users and promote a safer and more respectful online environment.
