Reddit community banned as user spat with Musk intensifies

BBC ^ | Feb 5 | BBC

[RandFan]

Reddit has temporarily banned one of its communities - and removed another - after X owner Elon Musk claimed comments made by the site's users about his employees were breaking the law.

The r/WhitePeopleTwitter subreddit, which typically invites people to share funny posts from X, has been banned for 72 hours after some users posted comments calling for violence against members of the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).

They were responding to reports which suggested some Doge staff have been granted access to sensitive personal information of millions of Americans.

Musk - who frequently champions his commitment to free speech - shared a post on X containing the comments, and stated: "they have broken the law".

The subreddit was banned soon afterwards.

Reddit declined to comment, but directed the BBC to a public post it had made following the ban.

"Over the last few days, we've seen an increase in content in several communities that violate Reddit Rules," the post reads.

"Debate and dissent are welcome on Reddit - threats and doxing are not."

Musk has previously criticised legal action being taken against people for making comments online.

In 2024, he responded to a video of a person purportedly being arrested for offensive comments online by asking "is this Britain or the Soviet Union?".

[paulcissa]

Still some safe places around racing/motorsports/fine automobiles/etc. Then there are the sleazy, dark and disgusting parts that are part of the liberal playground. I like racing and nice cars. They can keep the rest.

[Spacetrucker]

Funny you should mention that sub. I just came across that particular one this morning; appears quite agreeable. On occasion I do tire of fencing with the young and ignorant.

[Alas Babylon!]

My flair there is “Free Republic”!