UpScrolled's Hate Speech Moderation Crisis Explodes After Rapid Growth to 4M Users

The rapidly growing social network UpScrolled is under fire for failing to moderate rampant hate speech following explosive user adoption.

With over 4 million downloads since June 2025 and 2.5 million users in January alone, the platform gained traction amid TikTok's U.S. ownership uncertainties.

Hate Speech Infests Usernames and Feeds

Reports confirm usernames featuring racial slurs and phrases like “Glory to Hitler” persist despite user complaints and media inquiries.

Hashtags, text posts, photos, and videos glorifying extremism and hate remain unchecked across the app.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently flagged UpScrolled as a breeding ground for antisemitic content and terrorist promotions.

Startup Roots Meet Scaling Pains

Launched in 2025 by founder Issam Hijazi, UpScrolled champions equal voices while prohibiting hate speech and harm.

Yet, policy enforcement struggles mirror early woes at Bluesky, where slurs in usernames sparked user exodus threats in 2023.

Response and Path Forward

Hijazi addressed the backlash in a video, vowing to expand the moderation team and upgrade detection technology swiftly.

Days after reports, offending accounts lingered, eroding trust among users seeking a safe environment.

The crisis underscores broader risks for free-speech platforms, potentially driving away advertisers and mainstream audiences.

Future success hinges on balancing openness with robust safeguards against toxicity.