Anti-Defamation League: Alarming spread of anti-Semitism on Instagram

Between January and February 2026, researchers from the Anti-Defamation League’s Center for the Study of Extremism conducted systematic enforcement checks and reported 253 items of infringing content through Instagram’s reporting system. Of the 150 reported accounts and 103 reported posts associated with white supremacist networks, declared foreign terrorist organizations, and Nazi memorabilia dealers, Instagram only removed 11 accounts and 8 posts. In 20 cases, Instagram specifically stated that it did not have the resources to verify the reports.

The report documents how hostile actors exploited Meta’s reporting system. White supremacist networks developed coordinated strategies to avoid detection while increasing exposure, with one post in which participants mocked the idea of ​​Hitler running the United States gaining more than 2.7 million views and 172,000 likes.

Accounts supporting terrorist organizations mask infringing content with unrelated captions, while sellers of extremist products partially obscure Nazi symbols in photos to avoid automatic detection.

“When a platform used by 80% of Americans under the age of 30 allows pro-Hitler content to gain millions of views, Holocaust denial to spread unhindered, and terrorist organizations to raise funds openly – this is not a policy debate. This is a crisis of public security. Mark Zuckerberg admitted that Meta will ‘catch less bad things’ after the changes. Our research proves that he was right – and the consequences are very worrying.”

The report emphasizes that the scope of Instagram’s exposure makes Meta’s oversight failures particularly dangerous. According to Pew Research Center studies, the platform is used by 50% of children aged 13-17, and the hatred they are exposed to does not stay online. It strengthens extremist movements, spreads terrorist messages and funds violence in the real world.

Although he has allegedly been banned from using Instagram since 2021, white supremacist Nick Fuentes has been able to circumvent the ban through a network of at least 105 related accounts that amplify his hateful messages. These accounts post clips of his live broadcasts that have garnered millions of views. When the pressure increases, the accounts are temporarily disabled and reactivated when the risk decreases.

The report also documents at least 23 active accounts spreading ISIS and al-Qaeda propaganda, as well as 33 accounts linked to the PFLP, including at least one that raised funds for the organization through its Instagram bio, apparently in violation of US law.

Chapters of the Samidoun organization, which is related to the PFLP and has been designated by the US and Canadian governments as an organization used as a cover for raising funds for terrorism, were also found operating on the platform.

“For a company whose revenue model is largely based on advertising, maintaining brand safety and user trust is essential. Investors should expect stronger oversight, clear transparency and measurable progress in managing these risks.”