Revealed: How Substack makes money from hosting Nazi newsletters
A Guardian investigation has uncovered that Substack profits from hosting newsletters that propagate Nazi ideology and white supremacy.
An investigation by the Guardian has revealed that Substack, a popular global publishing platform with approximately 50 million users, is profiting from newsletters that promote extreme Nazi ideology, white supremacy, and antisemitism. Substack allows individuals to self-publish and monetize their content, taking a 10% cut of the revenue from premium newsletters. With around 5 million paid subscribers, some newsletters on the platform openly promote racist and inflammatory content, raising ethical concerns about the company's role in amplifying such messages.
One of the newsletters in question is called NatSocToday, boasting 2,800 subscribers, which charges $80 for an annual subscription, despite most of its content being free. The publication is linked to a far-right activist based in the US and features a swastika as a symbol, highlighting its alignment with white supremacy. This has sparked discussions regarding the responsibility of platforms like Substack in moderating and managing hate speech, especially when it serves as a revenue-generating mechanism.
This situation raises important questions about the balance between free speech and corporate responsibility. While Substack maintains that it supports diverse opinions and independent voices, the presence of hate-filled and extremist content on its platform can have dangerous implications. The investigation points toward a broader debate about how tech platforms should handle content that promotes violence and discrimination while continuing to thrive in a monetized landscape.