The hottest Censorship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

A BBC Documentary—Brought to You by Hamas

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 950 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Censorship Public Perception
  1. A BBC documentary shows children in Gaza dealing with the impacts of war, highlighting their daily struggles amidst destruction.
  2. One of the main child narrators is actually the son of a Hamas official, which raises questions about the documentary's fairness and objectivity.
  3. The BBC has faced criticism for not revealing important details about its sources, making some people doubt the authenticity of its reporting.

Trump is Trolling the AP

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11641 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Censorship Trump Era Journalism
  1. The Associated Press claims the White House is telling them how to report, which some see as censorship. This seems ironic since the AP has always had strict rules about language in their articles.
  2. People are discussing how Trump is mocking the AP's situation, pointing out the contradiction in their messages about free speech.
  3. There's a lot of debate about what it means for the government and the media to control language and how it affects honest reporting.

J.D. Vance's Speech in Munich

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13631 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Censorship Security Migration
  1. Democracy needs to be more than just a talk; it has to be lived out. Leaders should listen to the concerns of their citizens and ensure their voices are heard.
  2. Censorship and ignoring the opinions of voters can weaken democracy. Allowing free speech and dialogue is important for a strong society.
  3. There's a growing concern over mass migration and its impact on communities. People want their leaders to address their safety and quality of life regarding these issues.

My Statement to Congress

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 23995 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Government funding Media Ethics Political speech
  1. The government should not control media or information. Instead of helping people decide what is true, it can weaken public trust in journalism.
  2. Censorship laws in other countries are becoming stricter, and many American citizens are currently facing repercussions for their speech abroad.
  3. Taxpayer money is being used to promote propaganda instead of real journalism, which can distort the truth and undermine democracy.

Germany Opens Big Fat Pie Hole

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8918 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government International relations Media Free speech Censorship
  1. Germany's Foreign Minister criticized the comments made by J.D. Vance about democracy in Europe. He thinks it's not okay to compare Europe to authoritarian places.
  2. There's a feeling that the political climate is changing, raising questions about what is acceptable to say in big conversations about democracy.
  3. Some people are reacting humorously to this situation, talking about the past and how it seems like the world is getting interesting again.
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The Nazis Did Not ‘Weaponize’ Free Speech. They Crushed It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2119 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💾 History World War Free speech Totalitarianism Media Critique Censorship
  1. The Nazis did not use free speech to their advantage; instead, they suppressed it completely. This shows how dangerous it can be when a government controls speech.
  2. There is a significant amount of historical misunderstanding today, especially in media discussions. This leads to misleading narratives about past events and their implications.
  3. Critiquing historical figures without proper context can lead to false conclusions about their actions and the times they lived in. It’s important to understand history accurately to avoid repeating mistakes.

On "Internews"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13541 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Public Policy Journalism Censorship
  1. USAID has secretly funded a group called Internews Network with nearly half a billion dollars. This money has helped create a lot of media outreach and training for journalists.
  2. Internews Network has worked with thousands of media outlets and has produced many broadcasts that have reached millions of people.
  3. There are concerns about Internews supporting social media censorship, which raises questions about freedom of speech and information.

the winds of phase change

bad cattitude • 293 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Media Control Elites Censorship Culture Wars
  1. People are starting to recognize that they have been misled and manipulated by a small elite, realizing they're not alone in feeling this way. It's like a collective awakening to the truth.
  2. Cancel culture is about silencing voices and creating division among people. It aims to maintain control by making individuals afraid to express non-mainstream views.
  3. Recent events, like the changes brought by social media, show that the elite's control is weakening. More people are finding their voices and uniting against those who try to keep them isolated.

How the U.S. Government Controls Ukrainian Media

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1465 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Media Control Propaganda International relations Censorship U.S. foreign policy
  1. A lot of the 'independent' media in Ukraine is funded by USAID, which means American taxpayer money is being used in ways that some might not expect.
  2. When a journalist exposed government abuse in Ukraine, other media outlets published negative stories about him instead of covering the attack he filmed, showing a lack of support for independent journalism.
  3. This situation highlights how independent media can be influenced by government interests, which can lead to misinformation and a suppression of truth.

The Eerie Calm Before the Storm

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 8393 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Censorship Legal issues Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Sometimes people feel nervous about discussing certain topics because of new rules and laws. It can feel safer to keep some things private.
  2. During important times, like elections, some writers might decide to share more sensitive content through paid posts. This isn't to force anyone to pay, but to protect their ideas.
  3. It's okay for readers to see a few more paywalled pieces, as it may just be about being cautious rather than a change in the usual routine.

Freedom of enquiry in academia is dead, murdered by Professor Plum in the library with the lead piping of identity politics.

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Academia Freedom Expression Politics Censorship
  1. Academic freedom is under threat, with many professors feeling censored by current identity politics. This makes it hard for them to express differing views openly.
  2. Modern universities are focusing more on adhering to policies rather than encouraging innovation and critical thinking. This shift is harming the quality of education.
  3. There is a call for a return to objective truth and open discussions in academia. Without diverse opinions and debates, intellectual growth is stunted.

After Liberal Cultural Hegemony

Freddie deBoer • 10365 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Liberalism Censorship Art Critique American Politics
  1. Many people got really upset about certain books in the past, often without reading them, which made it hard for authors. This created a strange situation where publishers would listen to loud complaints instead of just letting books be published.
  2. Right now, there's a bit of a backlash against that intense focus on social justice, but the effects of that period are still lingering in society. Some people are still trying to cancel things they don’t like, and that behavior continues in various forms.
  3. The way liberals approach politics often revolves around judgment and pointing out failures, which some see as limiting. There’s a question of what kind of politics will emerge in the future and if it will be different from how things have been.

What's the Right Way to Cover the Trump Presidency?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11145 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Censorship Political parties Government
  1. The removal of pages from social media starting in 2018 showed a trend towards censorship that affected small independent media outlets. This was surprising, as many viewed it as a non-issue despite its significant implications.
  2. The response from political figures about censorship indicated a deeper divide within parties, especially among Republicans, highlighting concerns over who decides what's allowed in public discourse.
  3. The recent rebranding of political narratives focused on billionaires suggests a shift in strategy, but it raises doubts about the sincerity of political actions and the motivations behind them.

Congress Holds Hearing to Rip Out Censorship Orgs, Stem And Root

The DisInformation Chronicle • 305 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Congress Fact check Political Movements
  1. Congress is looking into groups that censor information to understand their impact better. They want to remove organizations that they think are unfairly controlling what people can see and say.
  2. The investigation revealed that the Center for Countering Digital Hate, despite claims, doesn't only target one political side. It actually targets anyone who goes against mainstream beliefs from a center-left perspective.
  3. Censorship affects both conservative and liberal voices, indicating it's not just about political affiliation. People on both sides can be silenced if they don't follow certain cultural and political norms.

China on Dario, DeepSeeking Truth, Ali + DeepSeek, and a Procurement IP Manifesto

ChinaTalk • 281 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Internet China Data Security Censorship
  1. DeepSeek, a new Chinese AI model, is being seen as a serious competitor to U.S. AI in helping researchers gather information about China. However, it struggles to answer questions that cross different areas of knowledge.
  2. Many in China believe the U.S. has double standards regarding AI and security, saying that U.S. restrictions are more about keeping an edge in technology than genuine concerns for safety.
  3. DeepSeek is powerful for safe topics, but it has issues with censorship. It often can’t handle politically sensitive topics, making it less useful for in-depth research on controversial issues.

The New York Times Comments Section is Hilarious and Depraved

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 12326 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media Criticism Censorship Social media Public Opinion
  1. Less censorship on social media could lead to a wider spread of misinformation. Some people are worried about what this means for public discourse.
  2. The New York Times comments section shows a divide among readers on the issue of free speech, with many expressing fear over less content moderation.
  3. Critics of social media platforms often focus on their role in political events, showing how media coverage can shape public opinion about these companies.

EXCLUSIVE: US To Deny Visas To Foreign Officials Who Try To Censor US Social Media Platforms

Michael Shellenberger • 2214 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Foreign Policy Social media Government Policy
  1. The US is denying visas to foreign officials who try to censor American social media. This means that if someone from another country tries to limit free speech online, they may not be allowed into the US.
  2. This new policy also applies to the families of these officials. So, not only the person who censors but their immediate family could be affected.
  3. The US sees protecting free speech as an important part of its foreign policy. This move is part of a larger effort to fight against what they call the global censorship-industrial complex.

Pandemic Censorship Spurs Trump Research Nominees and Others to Create “Journal of the Academy of Public Health”

The DisInformation Chronicle • 885 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Research Ethics Censorship Health Communication
  1. A new journal aims to improve communication in public health and share a variety of expert opinions. This is important since many voices were silenced during the pandemic.
  2. The journal will pay peer reviewers for their work, making the process fairer and more efficient. This could help improve the quality of published research.
  3. By publishing peer reviews alongside articles, the journal hopes to promote openness in scientific discussions. This can help challenge the existing norms and biases in traditional scientific publishing.

On Mark Zuckerberg's Speech Announcement

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11159 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Regulation Social media International relations
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's call for free speech suggests a conflict between the U.S. and other countries over censorship laws. This highlights the challenges tech companies face globally.
  2. Zuckerberg believes the U.S. has a strong foundation for free expression, but countries like Europe and China are enforcing more censorship. This creates a tough environment for innovation.
  3. The recent changes in speech laws and agreements may lead to more battles over free expression. Zuckerberg's insights indicate that discussions on these topics are becoming more urgent.

The Biden Regime's "Censorship Police" Still Control Twitter/X

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 2817 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Social media National Security Elections
  1. Some believe that the Biden administration has ongoing control over social media platforms like Twitter/X, keeping a level of censorship in place.
  2. There seems to be significant involvement from various government agencies in discussions about topics like election fraud on social media.
  3. Recent social media posts gained massive traction, with millions of impressions, highlighting a strong public interest in these controversial topics.

State Department Defies Congress, Revives Infamous Censorship Office in Absurd Prank

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9420 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Congress Disinformation Foreign Policy
  1. The State Department has reopened a controversial office that was previously shut down, which aims to monitor and respond to foreign disinformation efforts. This move has raised concerns about censorship and government overreach.
  2. This new office, named the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Hub, is expected to have a similar mission to its predecessor, despite Congressional efforts to stop it. It signals ongoing government attempts to control information.
  3. Critics worry that the revival of this censorship office reflects a lack of accountability and transparency in government actions. Many believe it poses a threat to free speech and independent journalism.

This Is CBS News

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1758 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Political Commentary Journalism Censorship Public Opinion
  1. CBS News faced criticism for how it handled an interview with an author who made antisemitic comments. Instead of supporting the interviewer, they punished him for not following their editorial line.
  2. There are concerns about CBS's stance on the status of Jerusalem, as employees were told not to refer to it as being in Israel, highlighting a perceived bias in their reporting.
  3. The network has a history of fact-checking certain politicians against their agreements, suggesting a possible agenda in their news coverage.

Was Zuck Right about Chinese AI Models?

Interconnected • 4751 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Cloud Computing Data Privacy Censorship Global Competition
  1. Chinese AI models can answer sensitive questions when run locally, but they often censor answers in cloud settings. This shows a difference in behavior based on where the models are hosted.
  2. Censorship in AI models is more about the cloud platforms than the models themselves. This poses challenges for Chinese cloud providers wanting to compete internationally.
  3. Even though some see Chinese AI as censored, it can still be powerful and competitive. Users may prefer to download and run these models locally to avoid censorship and make the most of their capabilities.

My Search for Hidden Meanings in Beatles Songs

The Honest Broker • 18617 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎶 Music Song analysis Censorship Cultural impact Historical context
  1. Before the internet, people had to guess or argue about the meanings of popular songs because there was no easy way to find accurate information.
  2. Songs by bands like The Beatles were often seen as puzzles. Listeners searched for hidden meanings because they felt there was something important to uncover.
  3. Today, easy access to explanations can lessen the mystery of music, but that sense of exploration and surprise from trying to understand a song is valuable.

Another Journalist Arrested In Another Western Nation For Wrongthink About Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2631 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Journalism Activism Censorship Israel-Palestine
  1. Journalists are facing arrests in Western countries for expressing pro-Palestinian views. This shows a growing trend of limiting free speech about controversial issues.
  2. Social media platforms and governments are increasingly censoring information that criticizes Israel or supports Palestine. This reflects a wider attempt to control public discourse.
  3. The current climate poses risks to truth-tellers and activists. Many are concerned about rising authoritarian measures meant to silence dissenting opinions.

Morning Election Insights: Harris, Trump, and Shifting Voter Dynamics

COVID Reason • 257 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political strategies Party Affiliation Censorship
  1. Blue-collar voters who used to support Democrats are now leaning towards Trump. This change shows how political loyalties can shift over time.
  2. Harris is facing challenges as her comments may push some voters to consider supporting Trump instead. This indicates that political statements can have big impacts on voter choices.
  3. There's a noticeable trend of Senate Democrats trying to distance themselves from Harris. They are looking to attract former Trump voters, which shows a strategy change as they aim to win in key states.

Martin Gurri: Make America Debate Again. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1929 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Censorship Immigration Political Debate Government actions
  1. Trump is taking a tough stance in foreign policy, like imposing tariffs on Colombia after a standoff over deported migrants. This new approach marks a change from the previous administration's methods.
  2. The discussion around the origins of COVID-19 has shifted, with intelligence now suggesting a lab leak might be more likely. This shows that long-suppressed debates are starting to resurface.
  3. The fight over foreign policy direction in the Trump administration continues with key staffing choices at the Pentagon. These decisions will impact how the U.S. engages with the world.

Special Livestream at 1 p.m. ET: On the Ongoing Global Engagement Center Saga

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1885 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Media Disinformation Government Investigative Journalism
  1. There's a special livestream discussing the Global Engagement Center and how it relates to State Department censorship. It's good to stay informed about these current events.
  2. Both hosts have faced some scrutiny from the Global Engagement Center due to their reporting. It's interesting how investigative journalism can sometimes attract unwanted attention.
  3. A watchdog group has filed a lawsuit seeking information on the GEC's actions against journalists. This highlights the ongoing tension between government transparency and media freedom.

Orwell Was Way Ahead of You

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2075 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Media Liberalism Authoritarianism
  1. Censorship has existed for a long time. In the past, it was about avoiding upsets with powerful figures like Stalin, and today it can involve platforms suppressing certain views to not offend certain groups.
  2. George Orwell's work, like 'Animal Farm', still applies today. His message about free speech and censorship resonates with ongoing debates about what opinions are allowed in society.
  3. There are parallels between past and present politics. Just like Orwell faced backlash for criticizing the USSR, current tech leaders can face criticism for their decisions that some see as siding with extreme viewpoints.

Interview: On Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2367 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Technology Social media Censorship Interview
  1. Mark Zuckerberg has recently made a big shift in how he is presenting himself and Facebook. This change could have important effects moving forward.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about the impact of Facebook on free speech, especially in comparison to other social media platforms.
  3. There will be more updates and stories coming soon, including a new law in the U.K. and some controversies involving the TSA.

A quick update on Berenson v Biden

Unreported Truths • 28 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Cases Free speech Government Action Public Health Censorship
  1. The Berenson v Biden case is on hold until a judge makes a decision. The government asked for more time, which both sides agreed to.
  2. There are different claims in the lawsuit, some against government officials and some against private individuals. It's complicated because some defendants have roles in both categories.
  3. Everyone is waiting for the judge's ruling, and it’s unclear what the outcome will be. The situation involves a lot of legal details and intertwining parties.

Dr. Atlas and the Crucible of Open Dialogue

COVID Reason • 495 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Censorship Public Health Policy Analysis Academic Freedom Pandemic response
  1. Government lockdowns during the pandemic didn't work as intended and caused more harm than good, affecting people's mental health and education.
  2. Censorship stifled important discussions and alternative viewpoints, which are essential for scientific progress.
  3. Academic institutions didn't uphold free expression and debate, which is key for critical thinking and finding the truth.

Facebook’s Fact-Checkers Changed the Way I See Tech—and Speech—Forever

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3093 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Big Tech Media influence Censorship Social media
  1. Fact-checking on social media can drastically affect the visibility of certain stories. Sometimes, a story can go viral and then suddenly lose all traction because it's flagged as misinformation.
  2. There are alternative theories about major events, like Covid's origins, that may be dismissed initially but can gain credibility over time. It's important to keep an open mind to different viewpoints.
  3. The way tech companies manage information can shape public discourse and control which narratives are heard. This raises questions about free speech and the power of online platforms.

Twitter Files Extra: How the Files Could Help Incoming Investigators

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5607 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Investigations Media Communications
  1. The documents from Twitter provide insight into how the government interacted with the platform. This includes details about the FBI's communications and its role in moderating content.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about government censorship and how agencies like the DOJ and CDC influenced Twitter's policies. Understanding this could help navigate future investigations.
  3. Numerous government agencies were involved in shaping Twitter's content moderation efforts. Investigators could find useful leads in the Twitter Files to explore these relationships further.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Vibe Shift. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2810 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Censorship Policy Changes Media influence Political critique
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's company, Meta, is changing its approach to free speech by ending fact-checking and reducing censorship on its platforms. This shift seems to be a response to political changes and the desire to align more with conservative values.
  2. Canadians share responsibility for the failures of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as his government faced criticism after a dramatic fall from grace. The country's political climate also contributed to his decline.
  3. Nicotine use is becoming more associated with conservative politics. Many nicotine users supported Trump in the last election, showing how political views around tobacco are shifting.

Yes, You Do Have to Tolerate the Intolerant

Yascha Mounk • 4456 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Political Philosophy Democracy
  1. You need to tolerate different opinions, even those you disagree with. This helps maintain a fair society where ideas can openly clash.
  2. Censoring ideas can lead to more harm than good. It’s better to counter harmful thoughts with discussion and argument instead of shutting them down.
  3. Embracing free speech has historically led to progress. Societies that allow free debate are often less prejudiced over time, showing that open conversation can make a difference.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 24, 2025: Walter and Matt Review Donald Trump’s Executive Orders

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1250 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Free speech Censorship Political Commentary Current Events
  1. Donald Trump signed many executive orders after taking office, focusing on various controversial topics. Some were surprising to see, especially those related to free speech and censorship.
  2. The significance of these executive orders is that they reflect concerns about government influence on speech and media. Past discussions about free speech became formal actions, which was unexpected for some.
  3. Many people contributed to the push for free speech and accountability in media, including activists and politicians. Their efforts showed that public concern can lead to actual changes in policy.

How to fight fascism

Sex and the State • 38 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Activism Civil Rights Free speech Censorship Fascism
  1. It's important to recognize that the fight against censorship and control often starts with marginalized groups, like sex workers, and their struggles can affect everyone. We need to unite and support each other regardless of our backgrounds.
  2. Challenging the status quo is essential, but it's also crucial to understand that real change takes time and involves understanding the complexities of existing systems. Burning everything down might not be the answer.
  3. Celebrating small acts of resistance and being true to ourselves matters. Each step we take counts, whether it's showing our identities or standing against the norm.

Amazon Is Censoring My Most Recent Magazine Issue

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2025 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Surveillance Media Political Climate Public Opinion
  1. Amazon blocked a magazine issue without explaining why, but later reversed its decision after some noise was made. It's important to pay attention to how platforms handle free speech.
  2. There's skepticism about a recent fake incident of antisemitism in Sydney, showing the need to question narratives we hear, especially related to politics and social issues.
  3. Being happy and staying informed can go hand in hand. Facing truths in life leads to true happiness, rather than avoiding painful feelings.