Online Antisemitism: BNVCA and Licra Combat Hateful Digital Content

In an increasingly digitized world, the battle against hate speech has moved online, with antisemitism finding new avenues for propagation. From controversial rap lyrics to historical slurs repackaged for modern audiences, the internet presents a unique challenge for those committed to combating prejudice. In France, organizations like the Bureau National de Vigilance contre l'Antisémitisme (BNVCA) and the Ligue Internationale Contre le Racisme et l'Antisémitisme (Licra) are at the forefront of this fight, frequently filing a chanson antisémite plainte – a formal complaint against antisemitic songs or content – to hold creators, distributors, and platforms accountable. Their vigilant efforts underscore the severity of digital antisemitism and the complex legal landscape involved in eradicating it.

The Alarming Rise of Digital Antisemitism and Legal Responses

The internet, while a powerful tool for connection and information, has also become a fertile ground for the spread of hatred and conspiracy theories. Antisemitism, an age-old prejudice, has adapted to this new environment, manifesting in various forms that can quickly reach vast audiences. This digital amplification poses significant challenges to democratic values and social cohesion. In response, legal systems worldwide, including in France, are grappling with how to effectively regulate and penalize online hate speech while upholding principles of free expression.

French law provides specific avenues for prosecuting hate speech, notably "public antisemitic insult" (injure publique à caractère antisémite) and "public provocation to hatred or violence" (provocation publique à la haine ou à la violence). These legal frameworks are the bedrock upon which organizations like the BNVCA and Licra build their cases. By initiating a chanson antisémite plainte, these groups aim not only to see justice served but also to send a clear message that antisemitism, regardless of its medium, will not be tolerated.

Case Study 1: The Freeze Corleone Controversy at Dijon

One prominent recent example that highlights the complexities of tackling contemporary online antisemitism involves French rapper Freeze Corleone. A concert in Dijon on November 29, 2023, became the subject of a legal complaint filed by the city's public prosecutor, alleging "public antisemitic insult" and "public provocation to hatred or violence." The prosecutor, Olivier Caracotch, specified that the concert featured "passages, texts, and clips of songs deemed antisemitic." The Direction interrégionale de la police judiciaire de Dijon has opened an investigation into the matter.

The Licra promptly announced its intention to join the legal proceedings as a civil party, demonstrating its commitment to fighting such expressions of hate. This isn't Freeze Corleone's first brush with controversy. In November 2020, he was investigated for "apology for terrorism" and "racist insult" following the release of several clips. Although that particular investigation was eventually closed in March 2021, with most infractions not being "characterized," the rapper's history includes deeply problematic statements. At the time, then-Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin condemned his "unacceptable remarks," citing a lyric where the rapper claimed, "Every day R. Kelly sequesters minors, but it's always Jews who are behind it."

The Dijon concert, part of a local Hip-Hop festival organized by the "Impact" association, drew 2,000 attendees. This event underscores the significant reach and influence of artists like Freeze Corleone, who had previously attracted 12,000 people to concerts in Paris and Lille. The ability of such artists to disseminate potentially hateful messages to large, often young, audiences through their music and social media platforms presents a formidable challenge in the fight against online antisemitism. For more details on this ongoing legal battle, read our related article: Freeze Corleone: New Legal Battle Over Antisemitic Content at Dijon Show.

Case Study 2: Unearthing Historical Hate – The BNVCA vs. Dailymotion

Beyond contemporary music, antisemitism also resurfaces through the manipulation of historical content. The BNVCA, led by Sammy Ghozlan, took action against Dailymotion and the author of a video that circulated online featuring a parade of photos of Jewish personalities (or those presumed to be Jewish) set to an old antisemitic song from the 1930s. This incident led to another crucial chanson antisémite plainte, highlighting how outdated prejudices can be given new life in the digital age.

The song in question, "La noce à Rébecca" (Rebecca's Wedding), depicts a Jewish wedding where attendees are characterized with crude and hateful stereotypes: dirty, coarse, and thieving. The lyrics describe guests eating with their fingers, stealing silverware, and brawling over trivial sums. The video's montage, devoid of specific names, still functions as an insidious list, targeting a broad spectrum of public figures including politicians, TV stars, journalists, writers, philosophers, actors, humorists, and singers.

Sammy Ghozlan emphasized that "this video, which cites no names, nevertheless constitutes an antisemitic photographic list, liable to criminal prosecution." The BNVCA further appealed to the French Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA), requesting greater oversight of Dailymotion, even suggesting its closure in cases of recidivism. This case highlights the persistent tension between platform responsibility and their legal status as "hosts," which often means they are not legally obligated to proactively control content but must act *a posteriori* when an infraction is reported. Despite the complaint, the video, which was uploaded on July 19, remained online for some time, illustrating the delays and challenges in content removal. This incident, as Sammy Ghozlan articulated, reflects a worrying trend: "Official France is not antisemitic, however, antisemitic speech has been liberated, it is fueled by this type of media coverage of anti-Jewish clichés on the web."

Navigating the Digital Wild West: Challenges and Recommendations

The incidents involving Freeze Corleone and the Dailymotion video are not isolated events but symptoms of a wider problem. The vastness of the internet, coupled with the speed at which content spreads, makes it incredibly difficult to police. Several critical issues arise:

Platform Responsibility: While platforms often claim host status, their algorithms can inadvertently promote or amplify hateful content. There's an ongoing debate about whether they should take more proactive measures to moderate content, rather than solely relying on user reports.
Legal Complexities: Prosecuting online hate speech across borders is challenging, and national laws vary. Even within a single country like France, the definition of what constitutes an "antisemitic insult" or "provocation to hatred" can be nuanced. Read more about the legal frameworks in our article: French Law vs. Online Hate: Complaints Target Antisemitic Songs & Rappers.
Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech: Balancing free expression with the need to protect vulnerable groups from hate speech is a delicate act. Legal systems must ensure that legitimate criticism is not stifled while ensuring that harmful content is removed and penalized.
Anonymity and Reach: The relative anonymity offered by the internet can embolden individuals to spread hate. Moreover, the ease of sharing means that a single piece of content can reach millions globally within hours, creating echo chambers where hateful ideologies thrive.

Practical Tips for Combating Online Antisemitism:

Report, Report, Report: If you encounter antisemitic content, use the platform's reporting tools immediately. Your reports are crucial for alerting moderators.
Educate Yourself and Others: Understand the various forms antisemitism can take, from overt slurs to subtle conspiracy theories. Share accurate information to counter misinformation.
Support Anti-Hate Organizations: Organizations like BNVCA and Licra rely on public support to continue their vital work of monitoring, reporting, and taking legal action.
Advocate for Stronger Policies: Engage with policymakers and platforms to push for more robust content moderation policies and greater accountability.
Think Before You Share: Be critical of the content you consume and share. Avoid inadvertently spreading hateful or misleading information.

The fight against online antisemitism requires a multi-pronged approach involving legal action, technological solutions, public education, and individual vigilance. The proactive efforts of organizations like the BNVCA and Licra, through their diligent filing of a chanson antisémite plainte and other legal instruments, are indispensable in holding the line against the pervasive threat of digital hate. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for fostering a more inclusive and respectful online environment.