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Reddit groups ban X links in protest at Musk arm gesture

Over 100 Reddit communities have banned users from sharing links to X (formerly Twitter) in protest against Elon Musk’s controversial gesture at a rally celebrating Donald Trump’s return to office.

Reddit groups ban X links in protest at Musk arm gesture

Musk extended his arm straight out twice during the event while thanking the crowd for "making it happen." Critics, including some historians, have likened the gesture to a Nazi salute. Musk dismissed these accusations, calling them “tired” and “dirty tricks.”

Many Reddit users have rejected Musk’s defense, labeling his actions as “hateful.” In response, moderators of numerous subreddits have prohibited sharing content from X, potentially reducing traffic and engagement on the platform.

While X has not commented, Reddit emphasized its commitment to freedom of speech and association, explaining that moderation decisions are made by unpaid Redditors who oversee their respective communities.

Prominent subreddits, including r/NBA (15 million members), r/TwoXChromosomes (14 million members), and r/NFL (12 million members), are among those enforcing the ban. However, this doesn’t reflect official stances from organizations like the NBA or NFL, as subreddits are typically managed by fans.

The BBC confirmed that over 100 subreddits, including more than 60 with at least 100,000 members, have implemented the ban. The total number is likely much higher when smaller subreddits are included, with many others considering similar action.

Subreddits representing a diverse array of topics and interests, including Liverpool and Celtic football clubs, Formula 1, Baldur’s Gate 3, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Disneyland, and the military, have joined the protest. Regional communities, such as those for New Jersey and South Korea, have also enacted bans.

Still, not all subreddits are on board. For instance, moderators of the Maine community have opted against a ban, citing the state's official presence on X. Similarly, British Columbia’s subreddit stated it isn’t engaging in “censorship.”

The ban could significantly impact X, especially in sports-related communities where much of the content relies on links to athletes, analysts, and journalists active on the platform. Popular posts in communities like r/NBA and gaming subreddits often include screenshots from X.

However, history suggests these protests may not last. In 2023, many Reddit communities temporarily "went dark" to protest platform changes but eventually reopened. Similarly, a movement to exclusively allow John Oliver memes was short-lived. Despite user pushback, Reddit ultimately benefited financially from its changes and successfully listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The longevity and impact of the X link ban remain uncertain, but for now, the movement underscores the power of community-driven action on Reddit.

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