The Biden administration is urging major technology companies to intensify their efforts to curb antisemitic content on their platforms, according to Bloomberg News. Representatives from companies such as Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, and X met on Thursday with U.S. special envoy Deborah Lipstadt to discuss monitoring and combating antisemitism.
Lipstadt requested that each company designate a policy team member to address the issue, conduct training for key personnel to identify antisemitism, and publicly report trends in anti-Jewish content. We welcomed this convening and were pleased to come together to share facts about the ongoing steps TikTok takes on this important issue and to continue to learn from experts in the room,” a TikTok spokesperson said.
Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and X did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. There has been a rise in antisemitism globally following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel and the subsequent bombardment of the Gaza Strip by the Israeli military.
The companies have not yet agreed to voluntary moves, but the administration is hopeful they will act soon, Lipstadt told Bloomberg News. The administration is also requesting staff training to help identify more implicit antisemitic messages on online platforms and to differentiate between criticism of the Israeli government and hatred directed at Jews, Lipstadt added.
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