New York, NY, May 28, 2024… ADL (Anti-Defamation League) and JLens filed a Notice of Exempt Solicitation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, calling on shareholders to vote in favor of Proposal Eleven in Meta's 2024 proxy statement. The proposal would require Meta to transparently address critical issues of hate speech and cyberbullying as well as other issues related to protecting kids.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by the ADL Center for Technology & Society (“CTS”), online hate and harassment remain persistent and entrenched problems on social media platforms. The CTS survey revealed that 51 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 reported experiencing online harassment. Of those teens, more than half experienced that harassment on Facebook, more than any other platform, and 48 percent reported experiencing harassment on Instagram. For 47 percent of teens, online harassment also led to in person and offline harassment.
“As the world's largest social media company, with billions of users across its Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms, Meta has an urgent responsibility to protect kids,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “The implementation of Proposal Eleven would represent a significant and much-needed advancement from Meta's current policies and practices, demonstrating a commitment to combating antisemitism and online hate.”
The 2023 survey also revealed increased reports of hate and harassment across nearly all demographic groups compared to 2022. Moreover, Jewish respondents were 80 percent more likely to worry about harassment while 25 percent avoided identifying as Jewish online.
“The unprecedented surge of antisemitism and hate online is increasingly translating into physical confrontations and violence, endangering the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said JLens Managing Director Ari Hoffnung. “A vote for Proposal Eleven will help ensure that Meta is held accountable for its child safety efforts.”
In ADL’s recent report, researchers simulated algorithmic recommendations using various personas. The findings revealed that on Instagram, the most virulent and hateful antisemitic content was pushed to accounts indicating they were 14 years old. These accounts promoted, among other things, Nazi propaganda, Holocaust denial, and white supremacist symbols. This underscores the platform’s role in amplifying hate and highlights the need for better policies to protect young users.
The 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Meta Platforms, Inc. is scheduled to be held on May 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Meta shareholders who have not yet voted are encouraged to refer to their proxy materials or contact their bank or broker to ensure their voice is heard.
About the Anti-Defamation League
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.
About JLens
JLens’ mission is to empower investors to align their capital with Jewish values and advocate for Jewish communal priorities in the corporate arena. Founded in 2012 to give the Jewish community a strategic presence in this influential arena, JLens promotes Jewish values and interests, including combating antisemitism and Israel delegitimization. More at www.jlensnetwork.org.