Substack—a platform for independent writers to share paid newsletters—has become a popular choice for independent journalists to make money. However, in recent months, the company has come under fire for not being proactive enough in addressing instances of hate speech and racism on the site. This criticism has prompted an interview with Substack’s CEO Chris Best, in which he lays out the company’s position on the issue of racism and hate speech on the platform.
At the heart of Best’s approach is a focus on removing inappropriate content from the platform, rather than getting into discussions about the motivations of the content creators. Best argues that, by focusing on enforcement, instead of the motivations of those posting content, Substack can create an environment where all users are respected. He further adds that Substack is trying to create a platform that is open to all forms of expression, as long as it is not offensive. This then prevents the platform from becoming an echo chamber.
When asked about instances of racism and hate speech on the platform, Best states that the company takes these issues very seriously. He says that they regularly assess the site and remove any offensive or inappropriate content immediately. However, he also makes it clear that Substack does not believe in censorship, saying that the platform stands for freedom of expression.
The CEO also states that Substack is investing in safety measures to protect journalists who share content on the platform. This includes a Threat Identification Program, which helps them identify and investigate potential threats to journalists. Additionally, Best states that the company is making it easier for journalists to report instances of hate speech via a dedicated email address and a help center.
Ultimately, Best’s message is clear: Substack wants to create an open and welcoming platform for all writers to share their work, regardless of race or ethnicity. As Best notes, censorship would be antithetical to their principles, so instead they focus on keeping their platform safe and free from offensive content. While there is still more work to be done, Best’s words show that Substack is taking its commitment to creating an open and tolerant platform seriously.
