Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of anti-semitism.
In early February 2023, a TikToker named Felix Cipher caused a stir on the platform after posting a video in which he claimed to be the reincarnation of Adolf Hitler. The video went viral, prompting a backlash from other users, who criticized Cipher for wearing Nazi paraphernalia in a video about his nose ring that resembled Hitler’s mustache.
As other TikTok users criticized Cipher’s outfit in duet videos, Cipher made a second video claiming to be in tune with past lives and that his past life was very infamous. He claimed to remember Hitler’s suicide and that the vision first came to him at the age of five. The video attracted widespread criticism from many people who found the claims disturbing.
Gidon Lev, a Holocaust survivor, spoke out against Cipher’s claims, which led to a comment from Cipher that mocked Lev’s experience in a concentration camp. The comment further fueled the controversy, which had already spread beyond TikTok.
A Facebook group was created to hold Cipher accountable, and users dug up old videos and blog posts that made explicit comments about Hitler. The Facebook group claimed to have gotten Cipher fired from his job, and some users made threats against Cipher and their family. The situation escalated, with some users doxing Cipher’s family and calling for harm to come to them.
Despite requests for comment, TikTok did not respond to the situation or the concerns about the rise of antisemitism on social media platforms. There is growing concern about the need for better moderation standards to prevent harm caused by online behavior.
The Digital Services Act in the EU will enforce better moderation standards. In contrast, the US has introduced bipartisan bills in January 2023 to study the state of Holocaust education and the curriculum used and create a report card. While the Digital Services Act is a significant step forward in the fight against hate speech and online abuse, change may not come soon enough to prevent harm to vulnerable groups.
The controversy surrounding Felix Cipher highlights the dangers of hateful content on social media platforms and the need for better moderation standards to prevent harm. The rise of antisemitism online is a growing concern, and platforms must take action to prevent harm caused by online behavior. It is essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions and to ensure that social media platforms are safe for everyone.
