NEW YORK – The World Jewish Congress today launched the WJC Institute for Technology and Human Rights, a pioneering initiative aimed at combating online antisemitism and its real-world consequences.
As part of the institute’s launch, which coincides with International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the WJC, in partnership with UNESCO, unveiled a comprehensive report, “AI and the Holocaust: Rewriting History – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Understanding the Holocaust.”
The new institute builds on years of WJC’s successful confrontation of online hate that has led to robust changes in policies related to antisemitism, Holocaust denial and conspiracy myths. It will wed research, advocacy, training and coalition-building, to promote technology uses that unite communities.
The WJC institute, which features an expert advisory council that includes Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, Adam Ma’anit, Monika Hübscher, Dr. Gunther Jikeli and Ms. Inbal Goldberger, will also advocate for the tech community to more effectively monitor and fight antisemitism.
“The WJC Institute for Technology and Human Rights marks a significant step forward in our efforts to ensure that online manifestations of antisemitism are addressed with the seriousness they deserve,” said World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder. “We must not allow hate to spread unchecked in the digital world, where it can translate into real-world harm for Jewish communities around the globe. A coordinated and robust response is urgently needed.”
More on the UNESCO Artificial Intelligence (AI) Report
The just-released report, published by UNESCO in partnership with WJC, explores the ethical and educational benefits and challenges that AI, and especially Generative AI (GAI), have on Holocaust memory, education and the spread of Holocaust denial and distortion. It serves as a warning sign for technology companies and an initial guide for educators, and it has several key findings in the following areas:
- Risks of AI Misuse: AI technologies pose significant risks in misrepresenting or distorting Holocaust history. This includes the generation of fake content, such as deepfakes and misinformation, that can undermine the authenticity of historical evidence and spread antisemitic ideologies.
- Opportunities for Enhancement: AI also offers substantial opportunities to enhance Holocaust education by creating interactive learning experiences and improving access to and analysis of historical data and testimonies. This can lead to deeper engagement and better understanding of the Holocaust among new generations.
- Need for Regulation and Ethical Guidelines: There is a critical need for regulations and ethical guidelines to manage the dual-use nature of AI technologies. This involves implementing robust safeguards to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure the responsible use of AI in educational contexts.
- Collaborative Approach: Effective management of AI in Holocaust education requires collaboration across various sectors, including AI developers, policymakers, educators and affected communities. This collaborative approach ensures that AI tools are developed and used in a manner that respects historical accuracy and ethical considerations.
- Importance of AI Literacy: Increasing AI literacy and critical thinking skills among educators and students is essential. This enables users to critically evaluate AI-generated content and understand the capabilities and limitations of AI technologies in the context of Holocaust education.
“Through our work with Jewish communities and tech platforms, WJC has been able to make considerable progress in the global effort to keep antisemitism and hate speech from spreading on the internet,” said Yfat Barak-Cheney, WJC’s director of Technology and Human Rights and the inaugural director of the new institute. “Our institute, together with our expert advisory board members and the Jewish community members who we serve, will aid in consolidating best practices into actionable strategies for the future. I am proud that our launch is marked with the continuation of our fruitful collaboration with UNESCO and provides another tool for thinking about Holocaust education and technology.”
Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, said, “If we allow the horrific facts of the Holocaust to be diluted, distorted or falsified through the irresponsible use of AI, we risk the explosive spread of antisemitism and the gradual diminution of our understanding about the causes and consequences of these atrocities. Implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI is urgent so that younger generations grow up with facts, not fabrications.”
About the World Jewish Congress
Media contact
