Substack Defies Anti-Speech Progressives, Standing Firm Against Calls For Censorship

This model has drawn criticism from some progressive quarters, who are uncomfortable with the platform's commitment to free speech, particularly when it allows for the expression of ideas that challenge their own.

Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack, recently issued a statement on the platform, stating, "I just want to make it clear that we don’t like Nazis either—we wish no-one held those views. But some people do hold those and other extreme views. Given that, we don't think that censorship (including through demonetizing publications) makes the problem go away—in fact, it makes it worse."

McKenzie further explained that Substack believes in supporting individual rights and civil liberties, and that open discourse is the best method to diminish the power of harmful ideas. He emphasized the company's commitment to protecting freedom of expression, even when it is uncomfortable. He also noted that Substack's content guidelines do contain specific prohibitions, including a clause against incitement to violence. The platform will continue to enforce these rules while providing tools that allow readers to curate their own experiences and choose their preferred communities.

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McKenzie's statement was in response to a report indicating that Nazi content was being disseminated on the platform. The Atlantic had previously discovered that at least 16 Substack newsletters featured "overt Nazi symbols" in their logos or graphics, and that white supremacists had been permitted to publish on, and profit from, the platform. This led to hundreds of newsletter writers signing a letter opposing Substack's position and threatening to leave, while about 100 others signed a letter supporting the company's stance.

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December 24, 2023

The report highlighted that the founders' commitment to free speech had "elicited waves of outrage and criticism." Several writers who use the site have voiced opposition to allowing free expression of ideas on Substack. A letter signed by approximately 200 Substack users asked, "Why do you choose to promote and allow the monetization of sites that traffic in white nationalism?" The letter also mentioned individuals like white nationalist Richard Spencer who use the platform, and pointed out that people who promote theories such as the Great Replacement Theory or "The Jewish question" are also using the service.

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The letter concluded with a request for Substack to clarify its position on hosting Nazi content, stating, "We, your publishers, want to hear from you on the official Substack newsletter. Is platforming Nazis part of your vision of success? Let us know—from there we can each decide if this is still where we want to be."