Substack Faces Backlash After Accidentally Promoting Nazi Newsletter
Substack is under fire again after users reported receiving push notifications promoting a white supremacist newsletter. The platform, known for its hands-off approach to content moderation, called the incident a serious error and apologized for the offensive notifications.
The newsletter in question describes itself as a National Socialist weekly publication, catering to white nationalist audiences. Despite its small subscriber base of just 757 users, the blog was mistakenly highlighted in push alerts sent to some Substack readers. The company quickly acknowledged the mistake, stating that the notifications were unintended and should never have been distributed.
According to Substack, the issue stemmed from a technical glitch, prompting the company to take the affected system offline while making changes to prevent future occurrences. However, critics argue this incident echoes past controversies, including a 2023 scandal where Substack was found to host multiple pro-Nazi newsletters. At the time, the platform removed some extremist publications but refused to alter its broader content policies, insisting that censorship would only exacerbate the problem.
Substack co-founder Hamish McKenzie previously defended the platform’s stance, stating that while the company opposes extremist views, it believes banning them outright drives harmful ideologies underground rather than addressing them. Still, the decision has drawn criticism from prominent writers, some of whom left the platform over concerns about its tolerance of hate speech.
Despite these controversies, Substack has grown into a major hub for independent creators, attracting journalists and commentators seeking alternatives to traditional media. High-profile figures like Tina Brown, Jim Acosta, and Terry Moran have joined the platform, contributing to its recent surge in paid subscriptions. The company also expanded its features, adding social networking tools, live video, and short-form vertical videos to compete with platforms like Twitter and TikTok.
Substack recently secured $100 million in funding and reported record growth during the 2024 election cycle. Yet, as it scales, the platform continues to grapple with balancing free expression against the risks of amplifying extremist content. The latest incident serves as a reminder that technical errors—whether accidental or not—can still expose users to harmful material, raising questions about Substack’s ability to manage its growing influence responsibly.
