Meta Faces Backlash: Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram Accused of Enabling Activist Abuse

Meta's empire is under siege—again. This time, its crown jewels (Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram) stand accused of becoming tools for activist suppression. Critics claim the platforms’ infrastructure—designed for 'connection'—is now weaponized.

How deep does the rabbit hole go? Reports suggest Meta’s algorithms and moderation failures have let bad actors exploit its services. Meanwhile, trust in Zuck’s digital kingdom erodes faster than a shitcoin’s market cap.

The irony? Meta spends billions on 'safety' while its apps become the go-to for abuse. Regulatory hammers loom. Shareholders shrug. Rinse and repeat.

TLDRs;

• Over 90% of surveyed environmental activists reported online abuse, with Facebook cited as the most toxic platform.
• Activists say Meta’s lax content moderation puts their lives at risk by enabling harmful misinformation.
• Women environmental defenders face unique online threats, often tied to gender and cultural stigmas.
• Global Witness urges Meta and peers to commit more resources to combat digital harassment effectively.

A global survey by nonprofit Global Witness has exposed Facebook as the leading source of online harassment against land and environmental defenders.

More than 200 activists from around the world participated in the study, which found that over 90% had experienced some FORM of digital abuse. Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, platforms all owned by Meta, ranked highest for enabling harmful content.

The report paints a stark picture: 62% of respondents reported harassment on Facebook, followed by 36% on WhatsApp and 26% on Instagram.

Many activists fear that the toxic online environment is escalating real-world threats. Nearly three-quarters of participants said the abuse they received online had real-life consequences, including threats to their safety.

Harassment Tied to Real-World Harm

One of the most alarming insights from the survey is how digital hostility bleeds into the physical world. Activists have reported being doxxed, targeted with disinformation, and even sexually harassed during protests—all events they LINK to online incitement.

Fatrisia Ain, a community organizer in Sulawesi, Indonesia, says Facebook posts accusing her of being a communist have made her a target in a country where such claims can have deadly consequences. Despite reporting the content to Meta, Ain says Facebook refused to remove the posts, stating they did not violate community guidelines.

“It is dangerous,” she stated. “I hope that Meta WOULD understand, in Indonesia, it’s dangerous.”

Women Activists Face Double Threats

The Global Witness report also found that nearly 25% of respondents were targeted on the basis of their sex, with women and women of color disproportionately affected. Threats of sexual violence and online smear campaigns are common tactics used to silence female activists.

“Women who are defending their communities are more vulnerable than men,” said Ain. “More people harass you with so many things.”

In one incident during a protest, Ain was groped by men in a crowd. Now, older women often surround her during demonstrations for protection.

This pattern underscores a growing concern: that Meta’s algorithmic and moderation systems fail to address the gendered nature of digital abuse.

Meta Responds, But Critics Demand More

Meta has acknowledged a slight uptick in bullying and graphic content on its platforms in recent months. In response, the company points to features like “Hidden Words” and “Limits,” which allow users to filter offensive messages. Still, many critics argue these tools shift the burden of safety to users rather than addressing the root causes.

Global Witness says the solution lies in systemic reform. “There are a number of choices that platforms could make,” said Ava Lee, campaign strategist at the organization. “Resourcing is a choice, and they could be putting more money into really good content moderation and trust and safety teams.”

As Meta pushes for freer speech models, activists argue that such policies often silence the very voices fighting to protect the planet. With another Global Witness report due in September, pressure is mounting on Meta to act decisively, or risk enabling further harm.