The hottest Censorship Substack posts right now

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

Tweedle-Dum, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Three: Musings on the German Speech Police Courtesy of 60 Minutes

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 213 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Media Critique Legal issues
  1. Germany has strict rules about what people can say online, punishments can be severe for simply insulting politicians or expressing unpopular opinions.
  2. There are companies that profit by filing complaints against people for these speech 'crimes', creating a culture of fear and censorship.
  3. The author feels personally threatened by these laws, worrying about their own freedom to express thoughts online, even if they are not breaking the law.

Meta Pivots on Content Moderation

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1702 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Content Moderation Free speech Censorship Policy Changes
  1. Meta, the company behind Facebook, is changing how it moderates content. They want to focus more on free speech and go against past practices of heavy censorship.
  2. Mark Zuckerberg admits that past fact-checking efforts were often biased and sometimes led to the wrongful censorship of innocent posts or accounts.
  3. The new plan includes bringing back voices from the community and updating rules to allow more speech. However, there's a need for transparency about past mistakes and a way to fix them.

TikTok's 'cute winter boots' trend explained

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 10808 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Resistance Social media Political speech
  1. The trend of 'cute winter boots' on TikTok actually references political resistance, especially against certain government policies. Users are using this code to talk about serious issues while avoiding censorship.
  2. TikTok users are clever at using coded language to get around filters and alert others about government surveillance. This allows them to share information without detection.
  3. The way users promote 'cute winter boots' shows their focus on reaching a wider audience using popular themes, while also educating on topics like rights and activism.

You Can’t Write Vague And Censorship-Friendly Editorial Guidelines And Then Pretend They Won’t Apply In The Real World

Singal-Minded • 856 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🔬 Science Censorship Research Policy Ethics Education
  1. Vague editorial guidelines can lead to serious issues in real-life situations. It's important to have clear and specific rules to avoid confusion and misapplication.
  2. Censorship in the sciences is a topic that many people are discussing. There are different viewpoints on how to balance respect for human dignity with academic freedom.
  3. It's essential to protect published research from being altered or withdrawn unjustly. Making changes for social justice reasons can lead to more harm than good in the scientific community.

Dead Media Stumbles again

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Free speech Censorship Political Commentary Progressivism
  1. MSNBC has fired Joy Reid and is replacing her show with a new team, but they still have a progressive focus. This might not help with their low viewer ratings.
  2. Alternative media faces challenges getting advertisers because they are seen as risky. Major companies may avoid advertising on platforms that host voices considered controversial.
  3. The U.S. government is looking to change rules to promote fair competition in media and support free speech. This is meant to lessen the influence of big media organizations.
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Trump's 'Cabinet of the Cancelled'

The Truth Fairy • 672 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political appointments Censorship Public Opinion Freedom of Speech Administrative state
  1. Many people feel a strong dislike for government bullying and censorship. They believe that not everyone has the same freedoms based on their views.
  2. There are noticeable differences in how people's opinions are accepted or rejected by society. If your opinion aligns with the mainstream left views, you're less likely to be targeted or punished.
  3. Some of Trump's recent appointees have experienced being canceled by the government or society before. Their past experiences may help them fight against unfair treatment and broaden the conversation in America.

Tim Walz ‘Crowded Theater’ Argument Is Misinformation

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Supreme Court Political Debate Misinformation Censorship
  1. The 'crowded theater' saying isn't a real Supreme Court test, and it never was used in the case that Tim Walz mentioned. It's a misconception that people often use when talking about free speech.
  2. The Supreme Court case he referred to, Schenck v. United States, was actually about distributing anti-draft leaflets, not yelling fire in a crowded place. So, Walz's argument doesn't really hold up.
  3. Citing the 'crowded theater' idea can be dangerous because it can justify limiting free speech, especially unpopular speech. History shows that suppressing free speech often leads to larger problems.

I Joined TikTok Refugees on RedNote. Here’s What It’s Like.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 686 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Migration Censorship Communication
  1. Many people are moving from TikTok to a new app called RedNote due to concerns about a potential ban. This shift shows how social media changes quickly based on user needs.
  2. RedNote is a Chinese app that feels different from TikTok, with most content in Mandarin. Users are finding it hard to adjust since it mainly caters to a Chinese audience.
  3. Despite the differences, both American and Chinese users on RedNote are engaging together, often humorously referencing their cultural differences. This highlights how social media can connect people across boundaries.

Instagram blocked teens from searching LGBTQ-related content for months

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7464 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ Rights Social media Censorship Youth Issues Legislation
  1. Instagram temporarily blocked teens from searching LGBTQ-related hashtags due to content restrictions meant for 'sensitive content'.
  2. Meta admitted the restrictions on LGBTQ terms were a mistake and emphasized the need for all communities to feel safe on its platforms.
  3. LGBTQ teens rely on social media for connection and support, and limiting access to their content can isolate them during critical times of self-discovery.

Stop pretending Meta cares about free speech

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 6598 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Tech Policy Censorship Activism Media Regulation
  1. Meta doesn't really care about free speech. They are making rules that often silence voices that challenge their views or threaten their profits.
  2. People who say they support free speech often try to shut down discussions that go against their beliefs. This includes laws that restrict what can be taught in schools about racism and LGBTQ+ issues.
  3. Billionaires like Zuckerberg use the idea of free speech to protect themselves from consequences while preserving their power. Real change requires creating an internet that serves everyone's needs, not just the powerful.

Twitter's White Terror era

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media influence Political Movements Historical comparisons Censorship
  1. The end of strict censorship on Twitter has led to more vocal expressions of conservative viewpoints. This shift can sometimes feel aggressive and even vengeful.
  2. The current Twitter atmosphere is compared to historical events where one group experiences oppressive rule, followed by a backlash from those silenced.
  3. The changes on social media mirrors shifts in power dynamics, much like political movements throughout history, where voices once suppressed start to push back.

Pressed by Moms for Liberty, Florida school district adds clothing to illustrations in classic children's books

Popular Information • 12854 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Censorship Children's Books Education Parenting
  1. Florida school district adds clothing to illustrations in classic children's books due to challenges from Moms for Liberty
  2. Challenges included concerns about nudity and obscenity in books like 'In The Night Kitchen'
  3. Alterations to books in libraries raise questions about censorship and the rights of readers

saturday overton musings

bad cattitude • 247 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Political Discourse Social norms
  1. The way we talk about things is changing, and there are shifts happening around what can be said in public. This gives people more freedom to express their thoughts without worrying so much about censorship.
  2. People are starting to stand up against the fear of backlash for what they say. It’s important to speak openly and to set standards about what is acceptable to talk about.
  3. The recent changes show us that we can push back against bullying behavior in conversations. By speaking honestly and boldly, we can change the way discussions happen and reclaim our rights to express different viewpoints.

What Happened When I Asked Michael Shellenberger To Defend His Journalism

Singal-Minded • 1628 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Election Law Public Discourse Censorship
  1. Michael Shellenberger, known for his views on free speech, called for the government to revoke NBC's broadcasting license, which raises questions about his journalistic integrity.
  2. His claims about NBC breaking election laws were based on misinterpretations and lacked solid evidence, showing a drift into conspiracy thinking.
  3. The situation highlights how personal politics can distort professional standards, making it hard to trust someone's reporting if they confuse facts and emotions.

On Today’s Absurd New York Times Hit Piece

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 14141 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics First Amendment Censorship Media Supreme Court Government
  1. The New York Times published a controversial piece about the Twitter Files and its connection to a Trump ally, which the author argues is a misrepresentation of reality.
  2. The Supreme Court case _Murthy v. Missouri_ is significant, as it involves challenges to government monitoring of online content and potential infringement on First Amendment rights.
  3. The article discusses the implications of exposing censorship programs and suggests a potential motive behind the Times' piece as a distraction tactic during the historic case.

This Green and Pleasant Land

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Current Events Censorship Gender Politics
  1. In the UK, people are facing legal troubles for what they think and say online. Authorities are treating certain posts as thought crimes, which many find alarming.
  2. There seems to be a growing conflict between men and women, with each side feeling misunderstood and oppressed. Some women feel like men are not facing enough consequences for their actions.
  3. The episode covers various topics including humorous takes on current events and social issues, showcasing a mix of satire and commentary.

Scholastic's "bigot button"

Popular Information • 14151 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Education Bias Diversity Legislation
  1. Scholastic faces criticism for potentially excluding books featuring people of color and LGBTQ characters from book fairs.
  2. Scholastic claims to segregate books due to pending legislation in U.S. states, risking exclusion for teachers and librarians.
  3. There is a backlash against Scholastic from publishers like Brave Books that promote different values and books for children.

America Enters the Samizdat Era

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13143 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Social media Freedom of Speech Government Control
  1. The Internet is transitioning from a space of free exchange to one of top-down control over information and narrative.
  2. Alternative ways of distributing dissenting ideas are becoming necessary due to digital suppression of politically undesirable content.
  3. It's crucial to raise awareness about the challenges to freedom of speech and find new ways to share truth in the face of increasing control over information.

Zuck orchestrates hiring blitz to take Meta back from the woke mob

The Dossier • 346 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social media Censorship Ideology Political strategy
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is making changes at Meta to distance the company from political censorship and bring in people with different views. He recently hired individuals who support free speech.
  2. Zuckerberg seems determined to regain control of Meta, much like Elon Musk did with Twitter. He wants to ensure he doesn't lose influence over his own company.
  3. Despite facing strong opposition from within and outside Meta, Zuckerberg's strategy signals a shift towards more open discussions and less censorship on the platform.

Trump's Transparency Opportunity

OpenTheBooks Substack • 172 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transparency Government Accountability Legislation Censorship
  1. Transparency is crucial for holding the government accountable. Citizens have the right and duty to know how their tax money is spent.
  2. The previous administration made it hard to access information quickly, which undermined democracy. People should be able to get answers about government spending without long waits.
  3. The new administration has a chance to improve transparency immediately. Quick access to government data can help build trust and ensure better decision-making.

Michael Shellenberger Mixed Up Two Guys With Sorta Similar Names And Falsely Told His Readers — And Congress — One Of Them Might Be A Spy As A Result

Singal-Minded • 1046 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Censorship Misinformation
  1. Michael Shellenberger mistakenly mixed up two people with similar names, leading to false claims about one of them possibly being a spy. This is a serious error for a journalist.
  2. Critics have pointed out that Shellenberger has often published misleading information about people he disagrees with politically, which raises questions about his journalistic standards.
  3. After realizing the mistake, Shellenberger corrected the information but did not make a big announcement about the error, which is concerning for public trust in his work.

State Department Threatens Congress Over Censorship Programs

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11152 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Transparency Funding Congress
  1. The State Department is threatening Congress over their censorship programs funding, showing resistance to disclosing details on how taxpayer money is being spent.
  2. The Global Engagement Center (GEC) has been involved in anti-disinformation work, which includes backing a UK-based agency that creates digital blacklists for disfavored media outlets.
  3. There is growing pushback against agencies like the GEC that operate with secrecy, with calls for more transparency and oversight, especially in programs that target American media consumers.

China's CCP-controlled 'Little Red Book' app drives home two messages: America stinks and China rules

The Dossier • 168 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Censorship Privacy Data security Political propaganda
  1. The 'Little Red Book' app is heavily controlled by the Chinese government, promoting ideas like 'America stinks' and 'China rules'.
  2. Users experience strict censorship on sensitive topics, which is very different from American social media where more free expression is allowed.
  3. Downloading this app carries risks due to Chinese data laws that allow the government access to personal user data, posing privacy concerns for American users.

Back and to the Right: The Pendulum Swings Again

The Corbett Report • 27 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Right-wing Censorship Political Movements Globalism
  1. Populist movements and right-wing ideas are gaining traction worldwide, challenging the political status quo. It's changing how people think about politics and power.
  2. Today's younger generations are becoming more conservative and questioning the ideas that were once considered progressive. This shift is redefining what it means to be anti-establishment.
  3. Despite political changes, core issues surrounding censorship and control by powerful elites remain. There's a need to look beyond the traditional left-right political spectrum to grasp the full picture.

War on Gaza (w/ Joe Sacco) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 111 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Foreign Relations Media Criticism Censorship
  1. Joe Sacco uses graphic journalism to share stories from war zones, bringing a unique perspective that traditional media often misses. His work combines drawings and humor to convey tough realities.
  2. Sacco raises important questions about how we define aggression and self-defense, especially in context of the violence in Gaza. He suggests we need new terms to describe the complex nature of these conflicts.
  3. The discussion highlights the moral dilemmas faced in voting and supporting policies that contribute to violence, questioning how citizens can remain complicit while wanting change.

IG meme pages rejoice!

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2567 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content Moderation Political speech Censorship Tech Companies
  1. Meta's content moderation has had too many mistakes, often removing harmless posts by creators. They want to improve how they enforce rules to protect free expression.
  2. Memes and funny content, especially on Instagram, have been heavily affected by Meta’s strict moderation. Creators are frustrated with the inability to distinguish between humor and real misinformation.
  3. The conversation around internet freedom is changing, with voices like Joe Rogan suggesting that recent shifts in moderation policies are paving the way for more free speech. However, many argue that these changes started before recent events.

I was just given a lifetime ban from Instagram for thanking Yemen for trying to stop the genocide of Palestinians.

The North Star with Shaun King • 4676 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Diplomacy Conflict Social media Censorship
  1. Shaun King was banned from Instagram for thanking Yemen for trying to stop the genocide of Palestinians.
  2. Meta's decision sets a dangerous precedent by deleting Shaun King's account and preventing any appeal.
  3. Shaun King stands by his support for Yemen and Palestine despite the unjust ban from Instagram.

Trump Camp: British Censorship Group to be "Investigated From All Angles"

The DisInformation Chronicle • 1000 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Strategy Censorship Disinformation Political Influence
  1. The Trump campaign plans to investigate the UK-based Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) after discovering their agenda includes targeting platforms like Twitter. They feel this group is unfairly attacking political allies of Trump.
  2. CCDH has been involved in recent electoral strategies and supports stricter online censorship measures. This has raised concerns among Trump supporters, who believe foreign groups shouldn't influence US elections.
  3. The CCDH has shown a focus on deplatforming specific voices and intervening in elections, leading to worries about free speech. Their documents indicate a clear agenda against platforms perceived as harmful.

Is Elon Musk a raging free speech hypocrite?

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 10 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Media Critique Public Figures Political Discourse
  1. Elon Musk often criticizes Western democracies like the UK for free speech restrictions but is quiet about countries with worse situations, such as Saudi Arabia and China.
  2. His approach to free speech seems inconsistent. While he claims to support it, some of his actions, like limiting competition on X, look hypocritical.
  3. Many feel Musk isn't doing a good job managing free expression on X. His spontaneous tweets and decisions can hurt the cause of free speech instead of helping it.

Meet the Censored: Me?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 22417 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Free speech Media Coverage Censorship Journalism
  1. The project to uncover Twitter Files revealed a complex and organized system of content policing involving various government agencies and tech platforms.
  2. Suspension of journalist accounts for sharing information about Elon Musk's private jet highlighted the tensions between free speech and censorship.
  3. Elon Musk's involvement in the transparency of Twitter was met with conflicting reactions, ultimately leading to unexpected clashes with platforms like Substack.

Exposing Big Tech’s Complicity in Genocide | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 226 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Big Tech Censorship Data Privacy Corporate ethics Digital Rights
  1. Many big tech companies are accused of censoring information about the situation in Gaza, with some employees losing their jobs for speaking out against this censorship.
  2. Employees from companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Apple report that there are double standards when it comes to moderating content, often suppressing pro-Palestinian voices while allowing anti-Palestinian sentiments to thrive.
  3. Some tech companies are deeply involved in supporting military actions in Israel, providing necessary technology and services that could be used in the ongoing conflict.

What we learned at Davos 2024: global aristocracy intends on 'Rebuilding Trust' through censorship and surveillance

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3950 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Surveillance Censorship Climate China
  1. The global elite at Davos aim to 'Rebuild Trust' through censorship and surveillance.
  2. Davos lacks real debate as participants are vetted for conformity to agenda narratives.
  3. Davos 2024 focused on familiar topics like climate change and stakeholder capitalism.

I got banned from BlueSky for committing wrongthink

The Dossier • 628 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social media Political Activism Censorship Political parties
  1. BlueSky was created to be a platform for free speech, but it has turned into a space for strict censorship and only allows certain political views.
  2. Users can be banned quickly for expressing unpopular opinions, showing that the platform may not truly support diverse ideas.
  3. The experience on BlueSky can be chaotic and filled with extreme viewpoints, making it feel unsafe for those with different beliefs.

Why we need an insufferable liberal elite

Wrong Side of History • 503 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social media Censorship Polarization Political Movements
  1. People are moving to new social media platforms like Bluesky to find communities that share their values. They are looking for a place where they feel understood and accepted.
  2. The discussions on Bluesky feel less harsh compared to Twitter, but the problems of online bullying and toxic behavior still exist. It's like changing from one bad situation to another with similar issues.
  3. Echo chambers on social media might not be as bad as they seem. Sometimes, people are more affected by seeing too many extreme views rather than just talking to others who agree with them.

What do Statistics NZ and Sall Grover - Aussie femina suprema & creator of the Giggle app - have in common?

A B’Old Woman • 819 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Censorship Human Rights Data Privacy
  1. Sall Grover created the Giggle app for women, but faced legal issues when a trans woman was removed from it. This highlights ongoing debates about gender and women's spaces.
  2. Stats NZ has changed its census questions from 'sex' to 'gender', raising concerns about the reliability of data. Many feel this could mix up important information about biological females.
  3. There is a call for better representation from gender-critical voices in discussions about gender identity. People want to ensure that women's perspectives are included in these important conversations.

The 2025 Horse Race

Pizza Party • 28 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Press freedom Election Public Opinion Political Power
  1. The author feels a personal connection to the theme of journalism and censorship, using a horse race metaphor. They compare the competition between journalism and sovereignty to a race where sovereignty ultimately wins.
  2. The situation highlights the struggles of journalists facing pressures from those in power, making it hard for them to do their jobs. This reflects on the broader challenges of freedom of the press in current times.
  3. The author expresses a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future of journalism, especially after losing their job and witnessing the challenges faced by their former boss. This personal experience adds emotional weight to the commentary on press freedom.

Beautiful Monsters

Seven Senses • 559 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Theory Morality Censorship Cultural critique
  1. It's tough to separate an artist's bad behavior from their art. Many people wonder if enjoying a piece of art makes them part of the artist's wrong actions.
  2. Our choices in what art we support reflect our values. Boycotting artists and products can feel empowering, but true change often requires focusing on the larger systems that let harmful actions happen.
  3. It's important to recognize that artists might be both good and bad, like 'beautiful monsters'. This complexity challenges us to think deeply about our feelings towards their work and our own behavior.