New York – Social media platform X, formerly Twitter, is facing intensified scrutiny over its content moderation policies, highlighted by a stark critique from journalist and Tablet magazine founder Alana Newhouse. On July 24, 2025, Newhouse posted on X, stating, > "X is now just Etsy for Nazis." Her comment underscores growing concerns about the platform's handling of hateful content.
Alana Newhouse, editor-in-chief of Tablet magazine, an online publication dedicated to Jewish news, ideas, and culture, made the strong statement amidst ongoing debate regarding X's content moderation practices. Her background as a prominent voice in Jewish media lends significant weight to her public criticism of the platform.
Since Elon Musk's acquisition in October 2022, X has implemented a "Freedom of Speech, Not Freedom of Reach" policy, aiming to limit the visibility of certain content rather than outright removal. However, reports from organizations like the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) indicate that this approach has not effectively curbed the spread of hate speech. A September 2023 CCDH report found that 86% of 300 posts reported for extreme hate speech remained on the platform a week later, despite violating X's own policies.
This perceived surge in hateful content has led to a significant exodus of advertisers, impacting X's revenue. Major brands, including IBM, Disney, and Apple, have paused or pulled advertising from the platform due to concerns about their ads appearing alongside problematic content. This advertiser flight poses a substantial financial challenge for X, which relies heavily on advertising revenue.
X has also faced legal and regulatory challenges globally concerning its content moderation. The platform has been involved in lawsuits in the United States, including against a California law requiring transparency reports on hate speech, and is currently challenging a similar law in New York. European regulators have also expressed concerns about the platform's compliance with digital services acts regarding the spread of disinformation and hate speech.
The ongoing controversies highlight a broader struggle for X to balance its commitment to free speech with the need to provide a safe environment for users and advertisers. The platform's approach continues to draw criticism from advocacy groups, lawmakers, and prominent figures like Alana Newhouse, as it navigates the complex landscape of online content governance.