The hottest Content Moderation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top News Topics

Twitter and Content Moderation

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content Moderation Misinformation Politics Elon Musk
  1. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have changed how fact-checking is done on their platforms. Instead of having official fact-checkers, they are relying on community input.
  2. Many suggested corrections on these platforms seem to just be people having different opinions. Often, they don't provide clear facts and can be more about arguing than informing.
  3. The interaction with these community notes doesn't seem to attract much attention. Most users appear to prefer the regular replies over community notes, which might indicate a lack of interest in these corrections.

Head of Infamous "Information Disorder" Commission Promoted at NPR

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7954 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Disinformation Content Moderation Public Trust
  1. Ryan Merkley, known for his work on misinformation, has been named COO of NPR. His past roles include leading an Aspen Institute group focused on information control.
  2. The Aspen Institute's 'Information Disorder' Commission proposed strict measures against misinformation, aiming for accountability on tech platforms. Some recommendations were seen as extreme and provoked resignations.
  3. NPR has a history of aligning with the ideas promoted by the Aspen Institute, raising concerns about how it approaches controversial topics like misinformation and censorship.

Why is Mark Zuckerberg vice-signaling?

Read Max • 7376 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Social media Content Moderation
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is changing how Facebook moderates content to align with current political views, saying they will reduce censorship for more free expression.
  2. His new image, including a gold chain and different style choices, hints at a shift towards more conservative values, which could attract a different kind of employee.
  3. Zuckerberg seems to be learning from Elon Musk by taking a more outspoken and partisan approach, which may help him gain support and defend against criticism.

Meta's Content Moderation Turnabout

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2443 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Content Moderation Democracy Fact-checking Social media
  1. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has decided to stop using 'fact checkers' to manage content. They believe this approach has led to too much censorship and frustration among users.
  2. A key issue in democracy is the need for accurate information while facing challenges in understanding the world. People often rely on biased or second-hand information for decision-making.
  3. The struggle for truth and reliable information is complicated by various viewpoints. Finding a balance between expertise and public freedom of expression is essential for a healthy democracy.

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.
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substack f***'d up and now we have to talk about it

astrology for writers • 9512 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Tech Ethics Content Moderation Online Communities Digital Publishing
  1. There are Nazis on Substack, and the platform's founders shirk responsibility for content moderation.
  2. The issue of ethical consumerism is complex and challenging, with no pure choices under capitalism.
  3. Supporting marginalized artists may involve navigating difficult choices between audience support and distribution channels, like Substack.

Democracy dies on Instagram

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4687 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political landscape Social media Content Moderation Public Health Election Impact
  1. Social media platforms like Meta's Instagram are limiting discussions about voting and elections. This can make it harder for people to access important information when they need it.
  2. Meta's content moderation is affecting political conversations and public awareness. Their choices may keep people uninformed and less likely to participate in elections.
  3. One in five Americans get their news from Instagram, showing how important this platform is for sharing information. If political content is downplayed, it could really change how people engage with their communities.

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.

Mark Zuckerberg's commitment to free speech is as deep as Exxon's commitment to clean energy

The Future, Now and Then • 198 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Social media Content Moderation Political Influence Corporate Responsibility
  1. Meta's commitment to free speech and content moderation is often temporary and depends on political convenience. They respond to crises when pressured but quickly revert to leniency when the heat is off.
  2. Zuckerberg's recent shift in moderation policies suggests a move towards cheaper, less effective community-driven solutions instead of rigorous fact-checking, potentially increasing harm towards marginalized groups.
  3. There's a growing debate about whether big tech companies deserve special treatment from the government, with some arguing that they should follow the same rules as everyone else despite their influence.

The internet's "town square" is dead

The Intrinsic Perspective • 18314 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Online Platforms Content Moderation Power Dynamics
  1. The internet's idea of a centralized 'town square' is no longer feasible due to fundamental differences in people's worldviews.
  2. When individuals have too much control over speech without oversight, it often leads to corruption and abuse of power.
  3. The rise of new platforms like Threads and shifts in social media dynamics reflect a fragmentation of the 'town square' into multiple platforms with differing moderation policies and user bases.

Anatomy of a Hatchet Job

Castalia • 2597 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Media Critique Content Moderation Online Platforms Cultural Issues
  1. Substack has a different approach to content moderation compared to major social media platforms, focusing on free speech rather than strict content controls. This has led to controversies about the type of content allowed on their platform.
  2. Recent articles have criticized Substack for hosting extremist content, sparking debates about the platform's moderation policies. Critics argue that having such content reflects poorly on Substack, while supporters argue it aligns with free speech principles.
  3. The tensions between traditional media and new platforms like Substack highlight a struggle over who gets to control public discourse. Some view Substack as a space for independent voices, while others see it as problematic for allowing potentially harmful content.

Meta unspools Threads

Platformer • 3518 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Apps Decentralization Content Moderation Data Privacy
  1. Meta released Threads, a new app challenging Twitter, with a focus on content moderation and decentralization.
  2. Threads is a text-based messaging app similar to Twitter, allowing easy following of Instagram users with limited features.
  3. The success of Threads will depend on cultivating a vibrant community and continuous improvements to user experience.

A housekeeping note about Substack and Nazis

Read Max • 3899 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Content Moderation Network Effects Free speech
  1. Controversy around Nazis on Substack led to some writers considering leaving, but network effects and practical reasons keep others on the platform.
  2. Substack's decision not to moderate content like Nazi blogs sparked debates over content guidelines and platform responsibilities.
  3. Subscription newsletters on platforms like Substack offer a sense of independence for writers, but also come with challenges and complexities.

Marshall McLuhan on Why Content Moderation is a Red Herring

After Babel • 2883 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media Childhood Content Moderation Online safety Tech Ethics
  1. Content moderation is essential, but focusing solely on it overlooks larger issues related to the harmful effects of platforms on kids
  2. The harmful impact of social media on children is not just about the content they consume, but also about the changes in childhood due to excessive screen time
  3. Implementing norms like delaying smartphones until high school could help in restoring a healthier, play-based childhood for kids

Gemini: how did we end up here?

lcamtuf’s thing • 2652 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Language Models Big Tech Content Moderation
  1. The development of large language models (LLMs) like Gemini involves mechanisms like reinforcement learning from human feedback, which can lead to biases and quirky responses.
  2. Concerns arise about the use of LLMs for automated content moderation and the potential impact on historical and political education for children.
  3. The shift within Big Tech towards paternalistic content moderation reflects a move away from the libertarian culture predominant until the mid-2010s, highlighting evolving perspectives on regulating information online.

goodbye, substack

the wiczipedia weekly • 491 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Content Moderation Online Publishing
  1. The author is leaving Substack due to concerns about how the platform handles extremist content.
  2. The author's newsletter will be migrated to a new platform where they can continue sharing their writing.
  3. The author redesigned their website, migrated it to Squarespace, and set up a new newsletter platform there.

Facebook's Challenges

In My Tribe • 379 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content Moderation Advertising Artificial Intelligence
  1. Facebook struggles with content moderation because it has to balance user complaints. If they are too strict or too lenient, someone will be unhappy.
  2. Switching to a subscription model would likely not work well for Facebook since it would lose valuable user data that helps target ads.
  3. Facebook sees TikTok as a competitor and has changed its platform to reach users who want to connect with strangers, which has led to some issues with political content.

The curious case of "TikTok refugees" on Rednote/Xiaohongshu

Pekingnology • 158 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Migration Data Privacy Content Moderation User Behavior
  1. Many TikTok users in the U.S. are moving to a Chinese app called RedNote due to fears of a TikTok ban. This has led to an increase in the app's popularity.
  2. RedNote is like a mix of TikTok and Instagram, mainly used by young people to share lifestyle tips. However, it hasn't been widely known outside of Chinese-speaking areas until now.
  3. The move raises concerns about content moderation and privacy. RedNote may struggle with foreign-language content and could face pressure from Chinese regulations as more American users join.

In Search of the “Reasonable Man”

Symposium • 432 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom of Speech Content Moderation Online Platforms Social media
  1. The debate about Substack and 'Substack Nazis' raises questions about freedom of speech and tolerance.
  2. Moderation on platforms like Substack should aim to keep out trolls and explicit Nazis while allowing for diverse discussions.
  3. A 'reasonable man' approach to content moderation could help platforms like Substack navigate difficult decisions.

How is your DSA today?

Tech + Regulation • 39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Content Moderation Regulatory Compliance Data Privacy
  1. The European Commission has started enforcing the Digital Services Act but faces a slow setup of the necessary institutions to implement it. They are focusing on big platforms and asking for information on issues like protecting minors and risk assessments.
  2. New regulatory bodies called Digital Services Coordinators must be established in EU countries to help enforce the DSA. However, some countries are still lagging behind in appointing these coordinators.
  3. The new out-of-court settlement mechanisms could help users appeal content moderation decisions easier, but there are risks about handling the volume of appeals and ensuring fairness in the process.

BIG OOF: Patreon is enabling an insane stalking campaign

Natalia Mitigates The Apocalypse • 353 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media Online Harassment Tech Platforms Content Moderation Digital ethics
  1. Stalking can happen to anyone, not just famous people, and tech companies like Patreon can inadvertently enable stalkers.
  2. Documenting and calling out instances of stalking and harassment can help raise awareness and hold tech companies accountable for their role.
  3. Coping strategies against online harassment include setting boundaries, exercising, practicing meditation, and using creativity to tell your story.

Substackers Against Nazis

Japan Economy Watch • 399 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Extremism Content Moderation Community Response
  1. The Substack platform is being criticized for allowing the platforming and monetization of Nazis and white nationalists, which has caused concern among subscribers.
  2. Many prominent Substack writers have left or threatened to leave due to Substack's inability to adequately address the issue of allowing white nationalism on the platform.
  3. Subscribers and publishers are calling on Substack to clarify their stance on platforming Nazis and to reconsider their position on allowing such content to be monetized.

The existential problems with Threads

Hot Takes • 471 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Privacy User Behavior Content Moderation Financial Incentives
  1. Threads faces challenges in attracting users away from established platforms due to oversaturation and user fatigue.
  2. The lack of financial incentives for users on Threads puts it at a disadvantage in a landscape where users value their time and content.
  3. Privacy concerns, trust issues, and the risk of censorship could deter users from joining Threads, impacting its success.

"One Weird Trick" for effective strategic political communication campaigns

The Future, Now and Then • 283 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communication Campaigns Policies Content Moderation Ideology
  1. Frame your communication as reasonable and your opponents as ridiculous to win in political campaigns.
  2. Effective communication matters most when your opponents are vulnerable and the issue stays on people's minds.
  3. Recognize when you're in a bad position and retreat before causing more damage to your organization.

Bullet Points: OpenAI looks for its FarmVille, 90s tech nostalgia, and more on the Substack drama

The Future, Now and Then • 275 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Nostalgia Media Content Moderation Platform
  1. OpenAI is aiming to become a platform similar to how Facebook invited developers for apps.
  2. Nostalgia for 90s tech optimism is prevalent but may not be constructive for the present tech landscape.
  3. The Substack management issues are conflicting with their core value of empowering writers to build their own audience.

Here's how to stop the harmful content before it's posted

techandsocialcohesion • 59 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Research Content Moderation
  1. Researchers are exploring using AI to prevent toxic content before it's posted online by prompting users as they type messages.
  2. Users appreciated the concept of receiving alerts about potentially harmful language but had concerns about privacy and disruptions to natural conversation flow.
  3. Implementing proactive measures like AI-based content moderation prompts not only eases the burden on moderation systems but also enhances the quality of online interactions by promoting empathy and understanding.

The Work of Free Speech on Social Media

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 98 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social media Content Moderation Public Relations
  1. The banning of certain figures on social media is often driven by public relations considerations rather than purely moral or ethical standards.
  2. Social media platforms prioritize maintaining a certain inoffensive public image to attract ad revenue and align with mainstream media-approved trends.
  3. The dynamics of speech regulation on social media platforms spark debates about freedom of speech, corporate interests, and user empowerment in the digital age.

✅ The great social media migration

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 2 HN points • 02 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Social media Communications Public Relations Media Content Moderation
  1. Many users are frustrated with X due to misinformation and toxic conversations, pushing them to consider other platforms. It's a tough decision since X has been important for news and networking.
  2. Some companies and professionals are staying quiet on X, making it hard to leave a platform that has been so integral to their work and connections.
  3. There's a growing interest in new platforms like Threads, which are trying to offer more decentralized and user-controlled social media experiences.