A global survey by nonprofit Global Witness reveals Facebook as the leading platform for online harassment against environmental defenders. Over 90% of more than 200 activists reported digital abuse, with 62% citing harassment specifically on Facebook. The toxic environment online is linked to real-world threats, with many activists experiencing doxxing, disinformation, and harassment. Women face additional challenges tied to gender and cultural issues. Global Witness calls for Meta and similar platforms to increase resources to combat digital harassment and protect activists' safety more effectively.
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.
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.
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, states that Facebook posts accusing her of being a communist have made her a target. Despite reporting the content to Meta, Ain says Facebook refused to remove the posts.
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