Elections and democracy

After the European Parliament passed a legislation aiming to speed up the removal of third-country nationals, MEPs on the far-right of the political spectrum chanted "send them back" in the chamber. MEP Abir Al-Sahlani voiced her concern, stating that the event has crossed a line. She was then targeted with a wave of abuse online after MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen posted about her intervention on social media. CCDH analyzed more than 16,000 Facebook and Instagram comments on content about the vote posted by both MEPs. We found that 43% contained abuse or anti-migrant rhetoric, including calls for violence. Our findings add to growing evidence that Meta's weakened moderation policies are fueling violent abuse that can drive people away from public life and undermine democracy. It also raises questions about the company's compliance with the EU's Digital Services Act.

In April, President Trump was rushed from White House Correspondents’ Dinner when a man forced his way in with a shotgun. It was the third attempt on his life in two years. In a time of escalating political violence, Meta is breaking down the barriers to hate. In January 2025, the company rolled back policies protecting users. CCDH predicted that abuse and violence would surge. Instead, they skyrocketed. Our new research analyzes nearly 8 million comments on Facebook directed at Members of Congress. Violent threats quadrupled in the six months after Meta’s policy changes. Comments targeting Trump with violence and incitement doubled, including one telling the President of the United States that he “deserves a bullet through his head.” Sustained abuse pushes people, especially minorities, out of public life and puts democracy at risk. Lawmakers must act.