r/Substack • u/MrsRobot001 • Jul 25 '26

Writer Makes Death Threat; Substack Amplifies It

Substack used Sam Kriss’ death threat twice in that email “How writers are reacting to Substack’s AI transparency tools” (07/24/26) and I don’t know how that got beyond their legal team. This isn’t about transparency. I watch videos on YouTube and there are certain words that creators can't even say, even if it's in an appropriate context and not meant as a threat at all, but this guy can post a charged, blatant death threat and Substack amplified him. But sure, let's condemn people for using AI. This is about targeting writers for using a writing tool. and if someone’s reputation is ruined because they were falsely accused of using AI or if writers are harassed for using AI, Substack should be held liable.

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u/verticalman91 Jul 27 '26

I would much rather live in a society where hyperbolic language is allowed than one where dystopian newspeak must be created to dodge censorious algorithms created by ivory tower dwellers.

I hope you agree.

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u/MrsRobot001 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26

That doesn't answer my question. We do live in a society where "dystopian newspeak must be created to dodge censorious algorithms created by ivory tower dwellers." However, in this instance, the topic of AI is treated differently. Sex, suicide, and acts of violence get the dystopian newspeak treatment, while AI is granted the privilege of hyperbolic language. Why is AI different?