Shareholder Proposal Demanding Accountability for Antisemitism and Hate Across Meta’s Platforms Ranks as Top-Performing Human Rights Concern
Shareholder Proposal Demanding Accountability for Antisemitism and Hate Across Meta’s Platforms Ranks as Top-Performing Human Rights Concern
JLens: Nearly Half of Meta’s Independent Investors Support Shareholder Push to Curtail Online Hate on Facebook and Instagram
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A shareholder proposal designed to hold Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) (“Meta” or the “Company”) accountable for the rampant hateful content across its social media platforms is the top ranked human-rights related shareholder proposal of the 2025 proxy season to date according to research by JLens, the proponent of the proposal.
Proposal 8, introduced by JLens, a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), urged Meta to address hate on its platform(s) and services, specifically antisemitism, anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-disability hate. The proposal received support from 46.8 percent of the votes cast by independent shareholders according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—the highest level of support from independent shareholders for any human rights-related shareholder proposal at a U.S. public company this proxy season.
“As we’ve seen recently with the antisemitic attacks in Washington D.C. and Boulder, unchecked online and offline hate speech, particularly antisemitism, poses a very real threat to our communities and to public safety,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. “This vote shows that investors understand the real-world consequences of Meta’s content failures and expect stronger oversight and accountability. ADL is proud to support this vital effort.”
Meta disclosed in a Form 8-K filed on May 30, 2025 that Proposal 8 received 14.6 percent overall support at its 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting. However, that figure is heavily skewed by Meta’s dual-class share structure, which gives its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, 61 percent of the company’s total voting power despite holding a minority of its equity.
As noted in a recent Harvard Law School study, dual-class share structures like Meta’s can distort shareholder democracy by enabling insiders to override the will of independent investors. When insider-controlled votes are excluded, support for Proposal 8 rises to 46.8 percent, making it the highest-performing social or human rights proposal of the 2025 proxy season.
“Independent investors have spoken with conviction: Meta must act to confront the serious dangers posed by unchecked antisemitism and hateful content on its platforms,” said Ari Hoffnung, Managing Director of JLens. “This vote is a clear warning from the market—and a milestone in our campaign for online accountability.”
Proposal 8 calls for a public report evaluating Meta’s policies, enforcement mechanisms, and effectiveness in moderating hate content across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The resolution specifically addresses growing concerns about antisemitism, anti-LGBTQ+ hate, and hate directed at people with disabilities. The proposal was endorsed by both major proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis, who cited the material risks posed by online hateful content and the need for greater transparency from Meta.
By receiving more than 5% of the vote, Proposal 8 has met the threshold set by the SEC to be eligible for resubmission in a future year.
Timeline of Engagement
- December 2024 – JLens submits Proposal 8 to Meta, calling for a public report on Meta’s effectiveness in addressing hate on its platforms.
- April 23, 2025 – Meta’s Oversight Board publicly criticized the rollback of key content moderation policies and urged the Company to assess the human rights impact of these changes.
- April 24, 2025 – JLens and ADL filed a Notice of Exempt Solicitation with the SEC, providing additional rationale for Proposal 8 and alerting shareholders to the risks posed by online hate.
- May 28, 2025 – JLens delivered a formal statement in support of Proposal 8 at Meta’s 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting.
“This is not the end—it’s only the beginning,” Hoffnung added. “Our commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate—online and offline—is unwavering. We will continue pressing Meta until it delivers the transparency and accountability that shareholders, users, and vulnerable communities deserve.”
About ADL
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.
About JLens
Founded in 2012, JLens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Registered Investment Advisor that empowers investors to align their capital with Jewish values and advocates for Jewish communal priorities in the corporate arena. JLens’ Jewish Investor Network is composed of over 30 Jewish institutions, representing $11 billion in communal capital. In 2022, JLens established an affiliation with ADL (Anti-Defamation League), the leading anti-hate organization in the world. JLens has an indirect financial interest in Meta Platforms, Inc. as a data and proxy service provider, and sub advisor to investment vehicles. More at www.jlensnetwork.org.
Contacts
Media Contacts
Dukas Linden Public Relations
JLens@dlpr.com
Jessica Cohen
ADL
Jessica Cohen (929) 618-6393
adlmedia@adl.org