TikTok is set to follow Meta’s lead in restricting criticism of the Israeli government, as confirmed by CyberWell, an Israeli advocacy group. This development, disclosed off-the-record, signals a shift in how major social media platforms handle discussions related to Israel. CyberWell’s announcement follows their influential role in shaping content policies on social media.
CyberWell’s Role
CyberWell, an extension of Israel’s intelligence operation Keshet David, has been a key player in pushing for policies that support Israeli government interests. Originating from a broader initiative known as Voices of Israel, CyberWell presents itself as a defender against disinformation and hate. However, its actions have focused heavily on suppressing criticisms of the Israeli government.
The group has targeted various expressions, including the slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and challenged narratives related to Israeli military actions, such as disputed reports about the killing of babies and the controversial Hannibal Directive, which permits lethal force to prevent hostage situations.
Meta’s Policy Changes
Meta’s recent policy update, influenced by CyberWell, introduces restrictions on the term ‘Zionist’. The policy acknowledges that ‘Zionist’ can refer to different groups, including governments and military personnel, but avoids outright banning phrases like “Zionists are war criminals.” This policy illustrates the complexities involved in moderating content related to Zionism and Israeli policies.
TikTok’s Response
In a recent interview, CyberWell CEO Tal-Or Cohen revealed that TikTok has agreed to adopt a similar policy. Cohen stated:
> “We’re also a trusted partner of TikTok. We’ve received assurance off-the-record that their policy will align with Meta’s. While this confirmation is informal, we anticipate official statements from TikTok soon. They’ve indicated they’re reviewing Meta’s policy and will clarify their stance publicly in due course.”
Advocating for Broader Application
Cohen highlighted CyberWell’s plans to extend these policies to other major platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Google. She pointed out that these measures have significant backing from prominent Jewish organizations and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Coalition, which has been pushing for a specific definition of antisemitism to be adopted widely across social media.
> “Our next step is to urge all social media platforms to acknowledge that ‘Zionist’ is often used as a codeword for antisemitism. We expect digital policies to address this form of hate consistently,” Cohen emphasized.
Warren Kinsella’s Controversies
The interview, hosted by Warren Kinsella, adds a layer of controversy. Kinsella was involved in a 2019 campaign against the People’s Party of Canada, which complicates the discussion and adds context to the ongoing debates about social media influence and political biases.
CyberWell’s Influence and Connections
CyberWell’s reach extends beyond social media. The organization has significant connections with U.S. security officials and has participated in high-profile discussions on online disinformation. Notably, Cohen appeared alongside Meta’s policy head Dina Hussein and TikTok’s safety chief Valiant Richey at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit. The event featured key figures such as U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and former Israeli Interior Minister Natan Sharansky.
Leadership and Historical Context
CyberWell’s leadership includes prominent former Israeli security officials like Amos Yadlin, ex-head of Israel’s military intelligence directorate. Natan Sharansky, a central figure in crafting the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism, has played a pivotal role in shaping anti-BDS strategies and influencing digital content policies.
In early 2021, a report from Israeli ministries detailed the strategy to pressure social media platforms into adopting the IHRA definition, with CyberWell embodying this effort to curb criticisms of Israeli policies.
