Back in January, Elon Musk‘s website, X (formerly Twitter), was banned in many subreddits due to his gestures and stances. It’s safe to say that Musk has been noticing Reddit for its widespread anti-Musk sentiments, and several unnamed sources have even claimed that the billionaire “talked” to Reddit CEO Steve Huffman regarding the ongoing Redditor hostility.
The conversation apparently took place just through text messages, and after the exchange, Reddit’s infamous 72-hour ban for the r/WhitePeopleTwitter subreddit happened. In addition to that, a specific thread revealing Musk’s DOGE henchmen was also deleted. However, it appears Reddit didn’t interfere with subreddit mod decisions to ban X/Twitter links from their communities– a community rule that’s still in effect today.
A Reddit spokesperson has also chimed in on the matter of Elon Musk supposedly exerting influence and pressure over the Reddit CEO. Antonini explained that they will take action on content reported to them and will take the content down if it violates any overarching Reddit policy:
“We take any report of Reddit policy violations seriously, whether on Reddit directly or through other public or private means. We will evaluate content reported to us and take action if violating,” according to Gina Antonini, courtesy of The Verge.
Of course, there’s no confirmation of what exactly Elon Musk said to Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, only that the conversation happened shortly before the temporary ban and censorship for r/WhitePeopleTwitter. This has led many to believe, Reddit mods included, that Musk can and has exerted influence over a site known as a platform for free speech (with specific rules, of course)
Nothing New for the Free Speech Platform Owner
Speaking of free speech, Elon Musk’s very own website, X/Twitter, is also known as an online space that values that kind of liberty (often no matter how outlandish some takes are). However, Musk himself has been accused of censoring people on his very own free speech platform.
Some celebrities such as Bill Burr called Musk out after the comedian’s X/Twitter account got flagged even though he wasn’t even using it to criticize the billionaire. Even as far back as the US election, some have also called out X/Twitter for censoring fundraising drives for Kamala Harris.
Hence, many Redditors have expressed their distaste for what they assume is Elon Musk’s hypocrisy or online tantrums, especially on platforms supposedly made for expression and discussions. Criticisms range from calling Musk a baby to pointing out how oppressive it is to silence people online.
“I think it’s fair to say Musk is no fan of free speech,” points out Redditor Smithy2232
“As long as it’s his speech, he’s all for it! 🙄,” says Redditor qyasogk
“Remember when he said he bought Twitter for free speech? lol,” laughs Redditor sum1sedate-me
