UNESCO, in collaboration with the World Jewish Congress, has just published, on July 13, the first report on the distortion and denial of the Holocaust in social networks.
Researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute compiled and analyzed 4,000 Holocaust-related posts and messages across five platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Twitter and TikTok. If negationist and falsifying speeches are present in all social networks, it is in particular in the secure messaging system Telegram where they are the most important.
Pointing the finger at Telegram
According to the report, 49% of the content related to the Holocaust “denies or falsifies” the facts on this platform, almost half. This affects both English and French messages. These include hidden messages behind humorous images.
Regarding other social networks, if the figures are present, they are well below what we find on Telegram. On Twitter, this represents 19% of posts about the Holocaust, compared to 17% on TikTok, 8% on Facebook, and 3% on Instagram.
Excess
In view of the figures, the report points the finger at Telegram’s moderation. In fact, this encrypted messaging, which promises confidentiality to its users, is fertile ground for disinformation.
“This situation mainly depends on the willingness of online platforms to take concrete action against the denial and distortion of facts related to the Holocaust. […] There was a notable difference between the levels of Holocaust denial and distortion on Facebook, which evolved to respond to criticism of disinformation, and Telegram, which still has very low moderation,” the report concludes.
Source: BFM TV
Emily Miller is a voice to be reckoned with in the world of opinion journalism. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a unique and thought-provoking perspective to current events and political issues, delivering insightful and engaging commentary.