Families Sue Meta for Billions Over October 7 Hamas Terror Videos
Victims' families have filed a multi-billion-shekel class action lawsuit against Meta, alleging the tech giant failed to promptly remove October 7 Hamas terror videos.
Families of victims of the October 7 attacks have filed a multi-billion-shekel class action lawsuit against Meta Platforms, alleging that the tech giant failed to remove graphic footage of the atrocities shared in real time on its social media platforms.
The Battle Over Real-Time Terror Footage
On October 7, Hamas terrorists filmed their brutal acts and uploaded them directly to the social media accounts of their victims. Limor Baida, the granddaughter of Bracha Levinson who was murdered in her home at Kibbutz Nir Oz, discovered her grandmother's final moments through a video posted on the victim's own Facebook wall. Despite repeated attempts by family members using multiple devices to report and block the content, the video remained accessible for nearly 24 hours.
"We opened and saw on her wall a video of Hamas terrorists murdering her in her home. They filmed everything from her phone and uploaded it to her Facebook wall. This is not some horror series, this is not some movie, this is my grandmother," Baida said.
Multi-Billion-Shekel Class Action
The lawsuit, valued at over four billion shekels, argues that Meta failed to prevent the distribution of horrific videos despite having the technological tools to do so. Attorney Adi Karner, representing the affected families, criticized the company for failing to maintain a safe environment free from violence and terrorist propaganda.
During an advanced hearing held this week at the Tel Aviv District Court, the parties were advised to pursue mediation. While Meta stated that it established dedicated teams to remove content violating its policies and classifies Hamas as a banned organization, the families emphasize that the struggle is primarily aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing future tragedies.
