The hottest Censorship Substack posts right now

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

Instagram vs. Palestine, Part I

Pen>Sword • 2496 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Censorship
  1. Instagram is actively suppressing Palestinian voices and their allies, enforcing this censorship online.
  2. Instagram's suppression tactics include flagged accounts, disabled features, restricted reach, and suspended accounts, particularly targeting pro-Palestinian content.
  3. Instagram's strategic partnerships with Israeli government bodies like the Israeli Cyber Unit reveal a deep collaboration that supports digital suppression against voices in and for Gaza.

Cancelling "Controversial" Scholars

Glenn’s Substack • 439 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. Labeling someone as 'controversial' can shut down meaningful debate. It's important to have open discussions, especially about difficult topics like international conflicts.
  2. Censorship often happens under the guise of protecting moral values, but it can prevent us from understanding the full picture. People need to hear all sides of an argument to make informed decisions.
  3. Understanding the other party's perspective in conflicts is crucial for peace. Instead of dividing ourselves, we should look for ways to engage and resolve issues together.

Great Liberal Ideas This Week!

Unsafe • 1690 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. Government scaring kids with active shooter drills is causing trauma and harm.
  2. Woke Kindergarten in one district led to lower test scores and controversy over curriculum.
  3. A liberal town faced backlash for stocking a book that questioned transgender issues, showing diverse opinions on what should be allowed in libraries.

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 Censorship
  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.
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Meet the Censored: Me?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 22417 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  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.

State Department Threatens Congress Over Censorship Programs

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11152 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  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.

Curator

Castalia • 519 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. Many traditional institutions, like PEN America and NPR, are struggling because they tried to overly cater to progressive demands but ended up alienating audiences. It's important for these organizations to return to their core missions and values.
  2. The New York Times seems to be adjusting its approach to reporting and emphasizing independence after a difficult period, while other outlets continue to face public trust issues due to perceived ideological bias.
  3. The so-called 'Intellectual Dark Web' has gained attention for their critiques of mainstream discourse, but many still view them with suspicion. This shows a need for open conversations and diverse perspectives, especially in today's polarized political climate.

Israel Cuts Gaza's Internet Amid Soaring IDF Atrocities

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1760 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Censorship
  1. Israel has cut off internet access in Gaza, making it hard for people to communicate or share what's happening there. This isolation is worsening the already dire situation for residents.
  2. The violence in Gaza has intensified, with reports of many civilians being killed while seeking basic needs like food. The ongoing situation raises concerns about human rights and the protection of civilians.
  3. Israel appears to be trying to control the narrative by blocking media coverage and preventing journalists from entering Gaza. This limits the world's understanding of the events occurring there.

Why Colbert got canceled

Silver Bulletin • 1289 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. Colbert's show got canceled for a mix of reasons, like budget issues and changing audience tastes. Some believe politics played a part, while others think it was simply not making enough money.
  2. The late-night comedy scene has struggled since the rise of Trump and has been affected by the decline of mass culture. Shows like Colbert's face pressure to adapt to different viewer expectations.
  3. Overall, late-night hosts are dealing with tough competition and the challenge of navigating a politically sensitive landscape. Their ability to resonate with audiences is critical for survival.

The EU Is Building A Ministry Of Truth

Public • 270 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Censorship
  1. The EU fined X for so‑called technical violations, but many see the penalty as a way to push the platform to censor content.
  2. The EU uses "trusted flaggers" — NGOs and academics given special access to spot and report content. Critics say this creates a proxy censorship system like a "Ministry of Truth".
  3. The dispute reveals a wider perception gap: Europeans may underestimate how committed the U.S. is to free speech. The fine could become a symbolic clash over free expression rather than just enforcement of technical rules.

The dirty tricks of reputation management: from PI firms to sabotaging Google Search

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1119 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. Some people use shady methods to manipulate their online reputation. This can involve private investigators and trying to remove negative news articles from search results.
  2. A technique existed that allowed individuals to remove any webpage, including news articles, from Google's search results by exploiting a specific tool. Google has now fixed this problem.
  3. The actions of former CEO Maury Blackman and related parties show how far some will go to silence journalists and hide their questionable pasts, even engaging in legal battles to threaten those who publish critical information.

“Antiracism” That Erases Black History

Journal of Free Black Thought • 55 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Censorship
  1. Canceling a white actress for portraying Black historical figures shows how strict policing of cultural appropriation can silence stories about Black heroes and limit who can tell them.
  2. Selective standards—scrubbing Black images while leaving white ones alone—create a double standard that erases non-white contributions rather than empowering them.
  3. Protecting artistic freedom and viewpoint diversity, when portrayals are respectful and contextual, supports cross-cultural storytelling that connects people and preserves shared history.

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 Censorship
  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.

Climate Newspeak

Doomberg • 7656 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Censorship
  1. Energy policy dissenters may face accusations of hate crimes.
  2. Proposed laws targeting positive speech about fossil fuels raise concerns about free speech limitations.
  3. The labeling of opposing views on energy policy as 'digital hate' may normalize censorship.

Yes, Republicans are burning books

The Signorile Report • 1218 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. Some Republican politicians have been publicly burning books as part of a book ban crusade.
  2. Governor Ron DeSantis defended against criticism of book bans in Florida, claiming the comparisons to censorship were a hoax.
  3. A Republican secretary of state candidate in Missouri burned LGBTQ and sex education books, inciting hate and promoting extremist views.

Another Journalist Arrested In Another Western Nation For Wrongthink About Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2631 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  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.

Addendum: The Most Banned Book

Anarchonomicon • 1218 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🚌 Education Censorship
  1. Finding banned works online may be easier than expected, even controversial ones.
  2. The memoirs of Augusto Pinochet are extremely difficult to find, despite the numerous works written about him.
  3. Pinochet's own memoirs are virtually non-existent in libraries, showing efforts to hide his perspective.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Vibe Shift. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2810 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  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.

UPDATE: Missouri v. Biden, Part 3, by Tracy Beanz

Human Flourishing • 1985 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. In Missouri v. Biden case, the judge referenced Orwell's 1984, highlighting similarities to current censorship issues.
  2. The White House pressured social media companies to remove content, including that of vaccine-injured individuals sharing their stories.
  3. Social media companies complied with government demands for censorship, impacting discussions on personal rights and mistrust in institutions.

Suspended from X

The Other Side of Fear • 8 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Censorship
  1. A suspension from X can happen if a post is flagged under paid-partnership rules even for a coupon link, and appeals may be slow or unreliable.
  2. The creator revenue system is dominated by low-cost content farms and paid influencer campaigns, so independent or original thinkers often earn very little.
  3. Some creators respond by moving to independent platforms like Substack and focusing on publishing as a public service rather than chasing creator-revenue schemes.

I Was Censored by YouTube

Glenn Loury • 3749 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. YouTube censorship can have serious consequences for content creators.
  2. Lack of transparency in YouTube's moderation and appeal processes is concerning.
  3. Content creators are exploring alternative platforms like Substack for more freedom of expression.

Fake Standards & Real Pro-Trump Censorship: 60 Minutes, CBS News, Bari Weiss, Paramount-Skydance, the Ellisons, & the Trumps

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 138 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. A finished 60 Minutes report about El Salvador’s prison camps was pulled after demands that it include an interview with a Trump administration official, turning a call for “balance” into a de facto veto.
  2. Corporate owners and partners seem to prioritize protecting business ties and avoiding Trump’s ire, leading them to tolerate newsroom self‑censorship rather than risk political or financial fallout.
  3. The episode shows how ostensible standards and elite media maneuvering can function as real pro‑Trump censorship, and how praise for figures who enable that behavior helps normalize the cycle.

France Wages All-Out War On Free Speech

Michael Shellenberger • 862 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. France is cracking down on free speech, which includes arresting people for not cooperating with law enforcement.
  2. The French government claims their actions are not political, but many see it as a threat to freedom of expression.
  3. Social media platforms like Telegram are under scrutiny in France, leading to serious legal issues for their leaders.

The Nazis Did Not ‘Weaponize’ Free Speech. They Crushed It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2119 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💾 History 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.

Misinformation Scholarship Exposed as Liberal Activist Grift

The DisInformation Chronicle • 720 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  1. Some so-called experts on misinformation may actually have political motives. They sometimes portray themselves as neutral scholars while pushing specific agendas.
  2. There's a concern that the field of misinformation studies is not diverse in viewpoints. Most experts seem to lean towards one political ideology, which could affect the objectivity of their work.
  3. Censorship and suppression of dissenting opinions can be justified in the name of fighting misinformation. This raises questions about who gets to decide what is true or false.

Interview: On Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2367 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  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.

IG meme pages rejoice!

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2567 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  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.

Orwell Was Way Ahead of You

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2075 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship
  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.