A coalition of at least a dozen Republican state attorneys general has formally requested detailed information from Meta Platforms regarding its content moderation practices in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. This initiative highlights ongoing scrutiny of social media companies’ responsibilities in managing violent and extremist content, particularly in sensitive geopolitical contexts. The attorneys general are seeking to understand Meta’s policies, enforcement actions, and any remedial measures taken to prevent the dissemination of illegal violence and incitement on its platforms.
The formal inquiry, communicated through a letter addressed to Meta Platforms Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Newstead, expresses significant concern over allegations surrounding the company’s response to the terrorist attacks. The letter specifically requests Meta’s current policy on depictions of violence and incitement, along with details of any remedial efforts undertaken post-October 7. Furthermore, the attorneys general seek to ascertain the steps Meta has implemented to proactively mitigate the display of illegal violence across its services. A response deadline of November 10, 2025, has been set for these inquiries.
The signatories to the letter represent a broad spectrum of states, including South Carolina, Iowa, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas. This collective action underscores a bipartisan concern among state legal officials regarding the impact of social media content on public safety and national security. The focus on Meta’s actions comes amid broader discussions about the role of technology platforms in shaping public discourse and potentially facilitating harmful activities.
Meta’s existing policies, as outlined, prohibit content that constitutes a “threat of violence against various targets.” This definition encompasses statements or visuals conveying an intent, aspiration, or call for violence, expressed through various forms such as direct calls to action, advocacy, expressions of hope, or conditional statements. The company also asserts its commitment to protecting users from depictions of kidnapping and high or mid-severity violence.
In response to the allegations, a Meta spokesperson stated that the company has banned Hamas from its platforms and actively removes content that supports or glorifies the organization and the October 7 attacks. The spokesperson detailed the establishment of dedicated teams working around the clock to address policy violations, while simultaneously enabling users to condemn Hamas and raise awareness for victims and hostages.
The company further highlighted the creation of a special operations center post-attack, staffed with fluent Hebrew and Arabic speakers to facilitate real-time monitoring and expedited removal of sensitive content. During the initial three days following the attacks, Meta reported removing or marking as disturbing over 795,000 pieces of content that violated its policies.
This official inquiry follows a substantial legal challenge, with families of October 7 victims filing a $1 billion lawsuit against Meta. These plaintiffs allege that Meta’s platforms were instrumental in the distribution of video evidence of the atrocities. The lawsuit claims that Meta knowingly facilitated the dissemination of live and recorded violent acts, effectively integrating its services into the terrorist attacks.
The attorneys general’s letter implicitly acknowledges the gravity of these allegations, noting that if the plaintiffs’ claims are substantiated, Meta may not have adhered to its own established standards. The legal action brings to light harrowing personal accounts, such as that of Mor Baider, who reportedly encountered footage of her grandmother’s murder on Facebook while searching for information. Similarly, the Idan family’s lawsuit alleges that the murder and kidnapping of a family member were live-streamed on Facebook.
David Thompson earned his MBA from the Wharton School and spent five years managing multi-million-dollar portfolios at a leading asset management firm. He now applies that hands-on investment expertise to his writing, offering practical strategies on portfolio diversification, risk management, and long-term wealth building.