Company Directory - Substack Inc.
Company Details - Substack Inc.
Substack Inc.
WebsiteSan Francisco, United States
Substack is an online platform that enables writers to create, publish, and distribute digital newsletters directly to their subscribers. The service offers tools for subscription monetization and community building, allowing independent writers to generate revenue and manage their audience without intermediaries.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Substack Inc.
-23.67
0.01%
Latest Event
Substack Introduces Report Feature Amid Controversy
Substack has introduced a report button allowing users to flag extremist content on its platform following intense criticism from the 'Substackers Against Nazis' campaign, signalling a shift in its approach to moderating hate speech and fascist rhetoric.
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ACCOMPLICE
Substack Inc. is currently rated as an Accomplice.
Latest Events
- JAN172024
Substack has introduced a report button allowing users to flag extremist content on its platform following intense criticism from the 'Substackers Against Nazis' campaign, signalling a shift in its approach to moderating hate speech and fascist rhetoric.
+20
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
Substack’s decision to implement a report feature is a response to public demands for better oversight of extremist content. This measure, while reactive, showcases a moderate commitment to countering hate speech and fascist ideologies, indicating a positively inclined public and political behavior.
+20
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
By removing publications that incited violence and enhancing its content moderation infrastructure, Substack shows a commitment to ethical business practices, although internal and external criticism suggests that these changes might be more reactive than systemic.
+40
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
The integration of a new report functionality significantly enhances Substack’s technological capability to monitor and mitigate extremist content. This move empowers users and promotes a safer digital space, aligning with anti-fascist sentiments regarding the responsible use of technology.
- JAN172024
On January 17, 2024, Substack rolled out a new 'report' button across its web platform amidst mounting controversy over its handling of extremist content and white nationalism. This move, following pressure from the 'Substackers Against Nazis' campaign and prior removal of violent publications, signals a step toward stronger content moderation and ethical business practices.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
Substack's introduction of a reporting feature empowers users to flag extremist content and hate speech, reflecting a proactive stance in reducing the spread of fascist narratives. While the move appears positive from an anti-fascist perspective, controversy remains over the platform's broader content moderation policies.
+65
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
By removing publications that incited violence and responding to campaign pressure, Substack demonstrated a commitment to ethical business practices. However, the reactive nature of these measures and ongoing debates over censorship suggest there is still room for improvement.
+60
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
The deployment of a new report feature represents an important technological tool that enhances the platform’s capacity to moderate content. While the implementation is a positive development in curbing the dissemination of extremist narratives, its effectiveness depends on broader enforcement and transparency measures.
- JAN162024
In response to growing backlash and an open letter from 247 writers demanding clearer moderation policies, Substack removed several pro-Nazi newsletters from its platform. This move comes amid criticism that the company has profited from extremist content while maintaining a 'light‐touch' editorial stance.
+20
Public and Political Behavior
April 8
By removing pro-Nazi newsletters following mounting pressure from its community, Substack signaled a reluctant but positive shift against hate propaganda. This action reflects a partial alignment with anti‐fascist principles in the realm of public and political behavior, despite earlier tolerance of extremist content.
Substack's Moderation Crisis: The Revolt Over 'Nazi Newsletters' - The Week
-10
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 8
Despite the removal of extremist newsletters, Substack's profit-sharing model—taking a cut from these hate-filled publications—illustrates an underlying business practice that continues to financially benefit extremist voices. This aspect is viewed as problematic from an ethical standpoint.
Substack's Moderation Crisis: The Revolt Over 'Nazi Newsletters' - The Week
+10
Technology and Services Impact
April 8
Substack's decision to remove extremist content from its platform demonstrates a level of responsibility regarding the impact of its technological services. This intervention can help curb digital channels used for extremist organization, though it follows significant external pressure rather than proactive measures.
Substack's Moderation Crisis: The Revolt Over 'Nazi Newsletters' - The Week
- JAN152024
Substack is under fire as several prominent writers and publications exit the platform due to its laissez-faire content moderation policies which have allowed alt-right and neo-Nazi blogs to generate revenue, raising concerns about the platform's role in amplifying extremist narratives.
- JAN152024
Substack removed several Nazi newsletters after backlash but has refused to proactively moderate far‐right publishers. Critics argue that this hands-off approach allows extremist content to flourish on its platform, indirectly supporting the spread of fascist ideologies. The decision, defended by co-founder Hamish McKenzie as an embrace of open discourse, has sparked debate over whether such a policy contributes to the normalization of hate speech and extremist narratives.
- JAN092024
Following public outcry and backlash from writers and observers, Substack announced that it would remove some Nazi-supporting publications from its platform. The decision comes after initial reluctance to censor extremist content, raising questions about the platform's role in enabling hate speech and extremist ideologies.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
Substack initially allowed publications with overt Nazi symbolism and hate speech to flourish on its platform, reflecting a problematic stance in its public and political behavior. The company's delayed action to remove such extremist content indicates an implicit tolerance for hate speech, which contributes to the normalization of extremist ideologies.
Substack to Remove Some Nazi Publications Following Backlash
-20
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
Substack’s initial reluctance to actively moderate hate speech and extremist content indicates a lapse in ethical responsibility. The subsequent policy reversal, driven by external pressure rather than proactive ethical guidelines, underscores issues in its business practices.
Substack to Remove Some Nazi Publications Following Backlash
-30
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
As a digital publishing platform, Substack’s technology and services directly impact the spread of extremist ideologies. The weak initial moderation policies, reliance on community flagging, and delayed implementation of better reporting tools highlight systemic issues in its content moderation framework, which inadvertently amplifies hate speech.
Substack to Remove Some Nazi Publications Following Backlash
- JAN082024
Substack removed five accounts alleged of inciting Nazi extremism, sparking debate over censorship versus free speech. While the move signals a rejection of hateful ideologies, critics argue it may be a reactive PR measure rather than a proactive ethical overhaul.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
Substack's decision to ban accounts promoting Nazi extremism demonstrates a clear public stance against hate and fascist ideologies, reinforcing its commitment to countering extremist narratives.
Substack decision to remove Nazi accounts leads to outcry over censorship
+40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
The action reflects ethical considerations in moderating hate speech on its platform. However, criticism that the move might be a PR response rather than a genuine shift in business ethics tempers the positive impact.
Substack decision to remove Nazi accounts leads to outcry over censorship
+60
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
As a digital platform, Substack's approach to moderating extremist content underscores its influence in shaping public discourse. The decision contributes positively by curbing hate speech, even as debates continue over its consistency and transparency.
Substack decision to remove Nazi accounts leads to outcry over censorship
- JAN072024
Substack has come under fire for its policy to allow extremist and Nazi writers on its platform with revenue-sharing arrangements, sparking backlash from prominent newsletter creators and raising ethical concerns over its commitment to free speech versus enabling fascist ideologies.
-50
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
Substack's refusal to demonetize Nazi and extremist writers effectively endorses their presence and financial viability on the platform. This free-speech absolutism, while championed by its leadership, indirectly normalizes far‑right ideologies and contributes to a politically toxic environment.
Pressure builds on newsletter company Substack to stop revenue sharing with Nazi writers
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
By including extremist figures in its revenue-sharing model, Substack demonstrates a problematic business practice that prioritizes a contentious interpretation of free speech over ethical responsibility. This stance undermines trust and fuels organized hate, raising serious questions about the company’s ethical obligations.
Pressure builds on newsletter company Substack to stop revenue sharing with Nazi writers
-40
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
The platform’s technological features, including algorithmic recommendations, may contribute to the amplification of extremist content on Substack. This technological impact facilitates the spread of hate speech and extremist ideologies, indirectly supporting authoritarian narratives.
Pressure builds on newsletter company Substack to stop revenue sharing with Nazi writers
- JAN072024
Substack faces backlash following its decision to allow Nazi literature and extremist content on its platform. Critics, including prominent newsletter creators, argue that by not censoring hate speech the platform is indirectly enabling extremist and authoritarian narratives.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
April 8
Substack's policy of not blocking Nazi and extremist content undermines efforts to counter hate speech and extremist ideologies. This stance indirectly supports authoritarian narratives by allowing extremist rhetoric to spread unchecked on a major publishing platform.
Backlash Grows Over Substack Permitting Nazi Content - New York Post
-50
Media Influence and Propaganda
April 8
Allowing extremist content not only encourages hate speech but also facilitates the monetization of dangerous propaganda. This decision impacts media influence by enabling the spread of extremist narratives under the guise of free speech, thereby indirectly promoting authoritarian ideologies.
Backlash Grows Over Substack Permitting Nazi Content - New York Post
- DEC212023
On December 21, 2023, Substack co-founder Hamish McKenzie reiterated the platform's longstanding policy to not remove or demonetize Nazi content, arguing that censorship could amplify extremist ideas. The decision has sparked criticism from over 200 Substack authors who contend that this approach effectively monetizes hate speech and far-right propaganda.
-75
Media Influence and Propaganda
April 8
Substack’s refusal to remove or demonetize Nazi content through its decentralized moderation policy indirectly facilitates the spread and monetization of extremist propaganda. This decision enables the circulation of hate speech and may contribute to the normalization of fascist views, which is particularly concerning given the current sociopolitical climate.
- DEC212023
Substack is under intense criticism after its decision to continue revenue-sharing with writers known for promoting Nazi and extremist views. The company’s stance, articulated in a December blog post, has led prominent newsletter publishers and hundreds of writers to demand that the platform demonetize extremist content to avoid indirectly funding hate ideologies.
-70
Public and Political Behavior
April 8
Substack's public stance of refusing to demonetize Nazi and extremist content signals a problematic political behavior by indirectly supporting hate groups. This decision has drawn significant backlash from influential media figures and newsletter publishers, suggesting a troubling endorsement of extremist ideologies.
Pressure builds on newsletter company Substack to stop revenue sharing with Nazi writers
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 8
By maintaining a revenue-sharing model that benefits writers with extremist views, Substack engages in business practices that implicitly support hate and discrimination. This decision raises ethical questions about the company's responsibility in funding potentially harmful ideologies, reinforcing societal divisions.
Pressure builds on newsletter company Substack to stop revenue sharing with Nazi writers
- DEC152023
Substack is facing criticism from publishers and writers who accuse the online platform of enabling hate speech by giving tools to Nazis and white supremacists. Critics argue that its commitment to an unfettered freedom of expression, even for objectionable content, indirectly supports extremist ideologies. The controversy has emerged through open letters and media coverage, triggering concerns over the platform's role in propagating hateful content.
-50
Public and Political Behavior
April 8
Substack's response to hate speech—upholding absolute freedom of expression without sufficiently addressing hate propaganda—has led to significant public and political backlash. Critics argue that this stance indirectly legitimizes extremist views, making it a concern under public and political behavior.
Substack Faces Criticism for Giving Nazis a Platform - The Hill
-70
Media Influence and Propaganda
April 8
Critics highlight that Substack's platform is being used to propagate Nazi and white supremacist content, effectively contributing to the spread of hate ideologies. The presence of such content, as noted in open letters and media reports, demonstrates a failure in moderating and curbing extremist propaganda.
Substack Faces Criticism for Giving Nazis a Platform - The Hill
- DEC152023
Over 100 writers signed a letter demanding that Substack explain its policy of allowing neo-Nazi and white supremacist writers, including figures such as Richard Spencer, to monetize on its platform. Critics argue that its 'hands off' moderation approach facilitates the spread of hate and extremist ideologies.
-50
Public and Political Behavior
April 8
By permitting extremist content to generate revenue, Substack provides a platform that bolsters far‐right and authoritarian ideologies, directly impacting political discourse and enabling hate speech against marginalized communities.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 8
Substack's 'hands off' content moderation policy has enabled neo-Nazi and white supremacist writers to profit from their hate-filled content, reflecting a failure in ethical business practices and responsibility towards community safety.
- NOV282023
A detailed investigation by The Atlantic reveals that Substack profits from and facilitates far-right extremist content, including Nazi and white supremacist newsletters, through lax content moderation and a business model that prioritizes free speech over ethical responsibility.
-70
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
Substack's platform is being used to amplify far‐right extremist content and Nazi propaganda. The company’s loose enforcement of content moderation guidelines allows hate speech to proliferate, thereby indirectly supporting authoritarian narratives and undermining democratic norms.
-80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
Substack profits from extremist content by taking a cut from subscription revenue generated by newsletters promoting hate and white supremacy. This business decision not only raises ethical concerns but also indirectly finances harmful political ideologies.
-60
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
The technological design and policies of Substack, which emphasize minimal content moderation in favor of unfettered free speech, enable extremist and hate-fueled content to spread. This design choice, while appealing to some free speech advocates, inadvertently aids the dissemination of dangerous ideological narratives.
- NOV282023
An investigation by The Atlantic highlighted that Substack hosts and profits from newsletters featuring overt Nazi symbols and white supremacist content, raising serious concerns about its lax content moderation policies and the platform’s role in amplifying extremist rhetoric.
-50
Public and Political Behavior
April 8
Substack’s permissive content moderation has enabled extremist groups to gain a platform for Nazi and white supremacist narratives, thereby undermining democratic discourse and public trust in media.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 8
By taking a 10% cut of subscription revenues from extremist hate newsletters, Substack’s business model financially incentivizes the propagation of hate speech and extremist ideologies, reflecting a lack of ethical responsibility.
-30
Technology and Services Impact
April 8
Substack's technological platform, characterized by minimal central intervention in content moderation, inadvertently creates a digital safe space for hate speech and extremist mobilization, contributing to the spread of authoritarian ideologies.
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