In a massive show of online protest, more than 100 Reddit forums have prohibited links to X (initially Twitter) after a contentious move by Elon Musk during President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The move, broadly seen as a Nazi salute, has outraged social media users on many platforms, prompting a simultaneous action by Reddit moderators and users.
The Controversial Gesture
On 20th January 2025, while at the inauguration ceremony of President Trump, Elon Musk made a move that was interpreted by many as a Nazi salute. The move was taped and soon went viral online, inviting rebuke from historians, human rights activists, and political leaders. Although some, like the Anti-Defamation League, claimed that it was not a Nazi salute, others like Jewish groups and European political parties denounced it outright. White supremacist and neo-Nazi organizations were allegedly celebrating Musk’s action, creating more controversy around the issue. Reddit’s Response
In response to the incident, Reddit communities took action. Moderators of over 100 subreddits, which account for tens of millions of users, enforced bans on x-linking. Some prominent communities joining in the ban include r/NBA, r/TwoXChromosomes, r/NFL, r/PCgaming, r/Nintendo, and r/Destiny. These subreddits justified the ban primarily as a response to Musk’s gesture and the extremist group’s celebration that followed.
The moderators explained that the bans are not politically motivated but are rather a protest against hate speech and the popularization of extremist symbols. Some communities have permitted exceptions, like sharing screenshots of X content without direct links, to allow for discussion without sending traffic to the platform.
Broader Implications
The actions of the Reddit communities have initiated a wider debate over the role of online platforms and their leaders to take responsibility. Several users commented on the rising visibility of hate speech and extremist content on X following Musk’s takeover of the platform. The Reddit bans have been viewed by some as digital activism, utilizing community standards to resist perceived normalization of extremist tendencies.
Elon Musk has brushed off the criticism as “dirty tricks” and a “tired attack,” but the unified reaction from Reddit communities suggests a major change in how online users are willing to hold powerful figures accountable for their actions.
Conclusion
The blanket banning of X links by Reddit communities is a significant example of online communities standing up against measures they see as endorsing hate and extremism. As the digital space progresses, such concerted action could become more prevalent, demonstrating the enhanced power and influence of online communities to shape discourse and call out public figures to account.
