Meta Platforms, the social media giant, announced on Tuesday plans to enhance its handling of the term "Zionist" amid global scrutiny over its application during discussions on Israel and Jewish identity.

According to Meta, it will increase the removal of posts targeting "Zionists" if the term is used to reference Jewish individuals or Israelis beyond its specific political context. The company clarified that content attacking "Zionists" would be taken down if it includes antisemitic stereotypes or threats of harm towards Jews or Israelis.

In a blog post, Meta reiterated its hate speech policy, which prohibits direct attacks on individuals based on protected characteristics, including race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, and others.

This policy update follows consultations with 145 stakeholders from civil society and academia worldwide. (ILKHA)