ADL Launches Leaderboard to Combat Antisemitism in Online Gaming

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has introduced a new leaderboard ranking popular online video games based on their efforts to combat antisemitism and extremism. This initiative marks the first comprehensive public evaluation of how major gaming companies address these issues. The leaderboard assesses ten popular games, including Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto Online, Call of Duty, and Minecraft, evaluating their safety features, moderation practices, and written policies aimed at curbing hate speech and harassment.

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Fortnite topped the leaderboard, recognized for its advanced safeguards against antisemitism. Following closely were Grand Theft Auto Online, Call of Duty, and Minecraft, all of which received high marks for their protective measures. In contrast, games such as Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG: Battlegrounds were labeled as having "limited protection," while Madden NFL, Valorant, Clash Royale, and Roblox were categorized with "moderate protection." The evaluation criteria included policies on antisemitism and hate, extremism, in-game conduct, and tools for player reporting and blocking. Notably, 60% of a game's score was derived from its in-game tooling capabilities.

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The leaderboard's release coincided with a significant jury verdict in Los Angeles, which found Meta and YouTube liable for harm caused to a young user through addictive design features. This context underscores the growing scrutiny of online platforms, including gaming environments, where abusive behavior has been reported. The ADL's initiative aims to provide transparency for parents and gamers, highlighting areas where gaming companies excel and where improvements are urgently needed.

The Forward

The ADL's findings are particularly relevant given that 85% of U.S. teens reported playing video games in 2024, according to the Pew Research Center. A previous ADL study revealed that 80% of teens consider harassment in gaming a significant issue, with many experiencing offensive name-calling during gameplay. The leaderboard serves as a resource for parents and policymakers to assess the safety of online gaming environments, addressing a critical gap in information regarding how companies manage antisemitism and extremism.

Jewish Insider

Despite the positive reception of the leaderboard, some critics argue that the measures taken by gaming companies may not be sufficient to fully address the pervasive issues of hate speech and harassment in online gaming. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of existing moderation tools and the potential for companies to prioritize profit over player safety.

The Forward

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, emphasized the importance of strong safeguards in gaming, stating, “Without strong safeguards, these platforms can become breeding grounds for harassment and hateful activity that harms players directly.” Daniel Kelley, senior director of the ADL Center for Technology and Society, noted that the leaderboard fills a critical gap for parents seeking safe gaming options for their children.

Jewish Insider

• “This leaderboard provides the transparency that parents, gamers and the industry need to understand where companies are succeeding and where urgent improvements are necessary.” — Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL

The Forward

• “When a parent wants to know if an online game is safe for their child, there has been no one-stop shop to understand how a particular game approaches online safety,” — Daniel Kelley, Senior Director of the ADL Center for Technology and Society

Jewish Insider

The ADL's leaderboard initiative represents a significant step towards addressing antisemitism and extremism in online gaming, providing a framework for accountability and improvement within the industry.

Jewish Insider