UpScrolled’s social network is struggling to moderate hate speech after fast growth

Source: TechCrunch

UpScrolled, a social network that caught fire after TikTok’s ownership change in the U.S., is facing a serious moderation problem. After growing to more than 2.5 million users in January, users have reported that the app is not taking action on usernames and hashtags that contain racial slurs, and it has struggled to properly moderate harmful content.

Growth and User Base

• Founded in 2025, UpScrolled claims to give every voice “equal power.”
• The platform has logged more than 4 million downloads on iOS and Android since June 2025, according to market‑intelligence provider Appfigures, surpassing the startup’s own self‑reported numbers.

Moderation Problems

Usernames and Hashtags

TechCrunch, after receiving tips from UpScrolled users, confirmed the presence of a wide range of racial slurs and hate speech in usernames. Examples include:

• Usernames that consist solely of a slur.
• Usernames that combine a slur with other words.
• Usernames that contain multiple slurs.
• Explicit hate speech such as “Glory to Hitler.”

Hashtags and text accompanying photo or video posts also featured similar slurs and extremist language.

Other Harmful Content

Beyond usernames, TechCrunch found:

• Text posts containing racial slurs and hate speech.
• Photo and video content glorifying Hitler.

These findings indicate that the problem extends throughout the platform, not just to user handles.

Company Response

Initial Email Reply

After reporting the offending usernames to UpScrolled’s public email address, the company replied that it is “actively reviewing and removing inappropriate content” and is working to expand its moderation capacity. The email also advised against engaging with bad‑faith actors while the situation is being resolved. However, screenshots of the reported accounts showed that the offending usernames remained online days later.

Founder’s Video Statement

The press account later directed TechCrunch to a video posted by founder Issam Hijazi on X (link). In the video Hijazi acknowledged that users have been uploading “harmful content” that violates UpScrolled’s terms of service. He stated:

“We are offering everyone the freedom to express and share their opinions in a healthy and respectful digital environment.”

Hijazi added that the company is “rapidly expanding our content moderation team, and we are upgrading our technology infrastructure so we can catch and remove harmful content more effectively.”

External Observations

• The Anti‑Defamation League published a blog post this month highlighting that UpScrolled is becoming a hub for antisemitic and extremist content, including material from designated foreign terrorist organizations such as Hamas. (ADL blog)
• UpScrolled’s FAQ states the app does not “censor opinions,” but its policy restricts content involving illegal activity, hate speech, bullying, harassment, explicit nudity, unlicensed copyrighted material, or anything intended to cause harm.

Comparison with Other Platforms

The moderation challenges UpScrolled faces are common among fast‑growing social networks. For example, Bluesky dealt with a surge of slurs in account usernames in July 2023, which led to user backlash and threats to leave the platform. (TechCrunch article)