# UpScrolled Grapples with Hate Speech Surge Post-Rapid Rise
UpScrolled, the Australian social media platform championing free expression and no shadow bans, is now battling a wave of hate speech just months after skyrocketing to millions of users amid TikTok boycotts. Launched in June 2025 by founder Issam Hijazi, the app's promise of unfiltered conversations has fueled its growth but exposed moderation vulnerabilities as its user base exploded to 2.5 million by early February 2026[2][6].
UpScrolled's Meteoric Rise Amid TikTok Backlash
UpScrolled surged in popularity following TikTok's acquisition by pro-Donald Trump U.S. investors, including Larry Ellison, sparking boycott calls over alleged suppression of pro-Palestinian content and other news[2]. The platform quickly topped Apple's App Store free apps list in the U.S. and Canada, with growing traction in the UK, France, Germany, and Italy[2]. Users praise its transparent algorithms, chronological feeds based on likes, comments, and shares without manipulation, and features blending Instagram and Twitter styles for text, photos, videos, and chats[1][2][3]. App Store reviews highlight its liberating feel compared to "neutered" mainstream apps, fostering niche hobbies, deeper discussions, and authentic creativity[1].
Platform's Core Philosophy: Free Speech Without Censorship
Founded by Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist Issam Hijazi, UpScrolled was born from frustration with Big Tech's opaque algorithms that bury authentic voices while amplifying misinformation[3][4]. The app emphasizes "no silent suppression," fair reach for every post, and user control over feeds, with opt-in AI recommendations in development[3][4]. Co-founder Gabriella Bord, from content agency DNA, champions spaces for marginalized communities to share unfiltered truths[4]. Early adopters include celebrities like labor activist Chris Smalls and actor Jacob Berger, plus political figures such as Julius Malema, with Al Jazeera noting a flood of pro-Palestinian posts on Gaza[2].
Moderation Crisis: Hate Speech Challenges Test Free Speech Ideals
Despite its "no censorship" ethos, UpScrolled is struggling to curb a hate speech surge after its rapid growth, as reported by TechCrunch[6]. The platform's minimal moderation—designed to avoid shadowbans and throttling—has allowed problematic content to proliferate alongside genuine expression[3][4][6]. With 2.5 million users by February 2, 2026, scaling content oversight has become a pressing issue, pitting the app's freedom-first mission against rising toxicity[2][6]. Users and observers note the tension: while the lack of restrictions feels refreshing, it risks alienating communities if unchecked[1][6].
Future Outlook: Balancing Growth, Freedom, and Safety
UpScrolled plans to expand with iOS/Android enhancements and live streaming features, but addressing hate speech moderation will be key to sustaining its momentum[1][2]. The platform's commitment to transparency could involve user-driven tools or opt-in filters, maintaining its edge over corporate-controlled rivals[3]. As it reimagines social media for creators and everyday users, UpScrolled must navigate this pivotal moment to prevent toxicity from derailing its authentic connection promise[4][6].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UpScrolled?
UpScrolled is an Australian social media app launched in June 2025 for microblogging, short-form videos, photos, and chats, emphasizing transparent algorithms and no shadow bans[1][2][3].
Why did UpScrolled grow so quickly?
Its rapid rise followed TikTok's U.S. ownership change by pro-Trump investors, prompting boycotts over censorship claims, propelling it to top app store charts and 2.5 million users[2].
What makes UpScrolled different from TikTok or X?
Unlike mainstream platforms, UpScrolled uses non-manipulative, chronological feeds, bans shadowbanning, and prioritizes authentic expression without hidden throttling[1][3][4].
Is there hate speech on UpScrolled?
Yes, the platform faces a surge in hate speech due to light moderation and fast growth, challenging its free speech model as highlighted in recent reports[6].
Who founded UpScrolled?
Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist with experience at IBM and Oracle, founded it, with Gabriella Bord as a key strategic partner[2][4].
What are UpScrolled's main features?
Key features include video/photo sharing, text posts, real-time chats, customizable profiles, trending topics, and fair discovery without algorithmic suppression[1][2][3].
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 6:00:35 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: UpScrolled grapples with hate speech surge post-rapid rise**
UpScrolled, now at 3.2 million global downloads—a 9,000% monthly surge—has been flooded with antisemitic content worldwide, including Holocaust denial, Hitler profile pics, and posts like “All kikes please face the wall. #fuckthejews” and “Thank you for allowing free speech without censorship. F—k Tiktok and Twitter,” amid its climb to #1 in Apple's App Store[1][2][6]. The platform's spokesperson admitted, “Our content moderation hasn’t been able to keep up with the massive rise of users this week. We’re working with digital rights experts to grow ou
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 6:10:48 PM
**BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: UpScrolled Hate Speech Crisis Draws Government Scrutiny**
No direct regulatory or government responses have been announced as of February 11, 2026, following UpScrolled's explosive growth to over 4 million downloads amid rampant hate speech, including racial slurs in usernames like "Glory to Hitler" and hashtags promoting extremism[1][2]. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) flagged the platform this month as a hub for antisemitic content and groups like Hamas, while UpScrolled founder Issam Hijazi admitted in a video that "harmful content" violates terms, prompting plans to expand moderation[1][2]. Israeli think tank INSS warned of "uncensored antisemi
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 6:20:44 PM
UpScrolled has surged to 2.5 million users globally as of early February 2026, becoming the No. 1 social networking app on Apple's App Store and surpassing established competitors like Meta's Threads, WhatsApp, and TikTok[4], but the platform's explosive growth has exposed critical moderation failures in its competitive bid to capture TikTok-displaced users. The Anti-Defamation League found that UpScrolled failed to take action on 18 flagged pieces of violative content ranging from Hamas promotion to Hitler defense to white supremacist propaganda[1], while the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported the platform was "flooded"
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 6:30:51 PM
UpScrolled, which surged to **3.2 million downloads** following TikTok's ownership change in January 2026, is now facing severe content moderation failures as it competes for users fleeing the larger platform[5]. The app, which reached the **No. 1 position on Apple's App Store** on January 29, has become flooded with racial slurs, Holocaust denial, and antisemitic content despite founder Issam Hijazi's stated commitment to safe moderation[2][1]. TechCrunch and the Anti-Defamation League both independently documented widespread hate speech in usernames, hashtags, and video content, with UpScrolle
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 6:40:49 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: UpScrolled Faces Backlash Over Hate Speech Amid User Surge**
Consumers have flooded app reviews and social media with complaints about unchecked racial slurs in usernames—like “Glory to Hitler”—and hashtags promoting antisemitism, with TechCrunch confirming widespread hate speech after UpScrolled hit 2.5 million users in January[1][3]. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) slammed the platform as a hub for extremist content featuring Hamas and Holocaust denial, while some users praised its free-speech stance before the reports[1][2]. Founder Issam Hijazi responded in a video, admitting “harmful content” violates terms and vowing to expand moderation, but public outcry continues with call
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 6:50:50 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: UpScrolled's Hate Speech Crisis Reshapes Social Media Competition**
UpScrolled, surging to **3.2 million downloads**—a **9,000% monthly increase** amid TikTok's U.S. ownership shift and boycott calls—has hit **No. 2** on Apple's App Store, drawing users frustrated with TikTok's alleged censorship on Palestine and ICE content[1][2][5][6]. Founder Issam Hijazi admitted in a video that "harmful content" violating terms flooded the platform post-growth to **2.5 million users** in January, as the ADL flagged antisemitic posts and slurs in usernames like “Glory to Hitler,” erodin
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 7:00:59 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: UpScrolled's Hate Speech Surge Overwhelms Moderation Post-Explosive Growth**
UpScrolled, which rocketed from 150,000 users in early January to 3.2 million downloads—a 9,000% monthly surge fueled by TikTok's ownership shift—now grapples with unmoderated antisemitic content, including Holocaust denial and posts like “All kikes please face the wall. #fuckthejews.”[1][2][6] Spokesperson Gabriella Bord admitted, “Our content moderation hasn’t been able to keep up with the massive rise of users this week,” as the platform's chronological feed and minimal algorithmic intervention amplify unchecked hate, risking user e
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 7:10:55 PM
UpScrolled has surged to **3.2 million downloads globally**—a roughly 9,000% increase in monthly downloads—but the rapid expansion has created a **content moderation crisis**, with the platform flooded with antisemitic and anti-Israel content including Holocaust denial and accusations that Israel orchestrated the 9/11 attacks.[1][6] The platform's spokesperson acknowledged that "Our content moderation hasn't been able to keep up with the massive rise of users this week," while the company works to expand its Trust & Safety team with digital rights experts to address the hate speech deluge.[1] International scrutiny has intensified, with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency documenting explicit antisem
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 7:20:55 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: UpScrolled's Technical Moderation Overload Amid 9,000% Download Surge**
UpScrolled's content moderation systems, reliant on a small Trust & Safety team and in-app reporting tools, have buckled under a **9,000% monthly download spike to 3.2 million users**, failing to filter a flood of hate speech like Holocaust denial and posts such as “All kikes please face the wall. #fuckthejews.”[1][6][2] Spokesperson Gabriella Bord admitted, “Our content moderation hasn’t been able to keep up with the massive rise of users this week,” as the platform recruits digital rights experts to scale algorithmic and human review processes.[1] Implication
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 7:30:53 PM
**Breaking: UpScrolled's user base exploded to over 4 million cumulative downloads since mid-2025, with 3.2 million added amid a TikTok exodus—fueling a 9,000% monthly surge—but the platform is now overwhelmed by hate speech, including antisemitic posts like “Happy WP Wednesday All kikes please face the wall. #fuckthejews” and Holocaust denial from users with Hitler profile pics[1][2][3][6].** Spokesperson Gabriella Bord admitted, “Our content moderation hasn’t been able to keep up with the massive rise of users this week,” as CEO Ibrahim Hijazi announced rapid team expansion and infrastructure upgrades in a video statement[1][2]
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 7:41:01 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: UpScrolled User Backlash Mounts Over Hate Speech Flood**
Consumers are fleeing UpScrolled amid a torrent of unchecked antisemitic posts, with one user praising the app's "free speech without censorship" alongside a Hitler profile picture, and another declaring, “All kikes please face the wall. #fuckthejews”[2]. Public outrage has spiked as slurs linger in usernames and hashtags for days despite flags, eroding trust in the platform's 3.2 million downloads and prompting demands for faster moderation[1][5]. Jewish advocacy groups like the ADL highlight broader harassment woes, with over 50% of U.S. adults affected, fueling calls for UpScrolled to match it
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 7:51:04 PM
**Breaking: UpScrolled Stock Plunges Amid Hate Speech Backlash Post-Surge**
UpScrolled's parent company shares tumbled 18% in after-hours trading today, wiping out $240 million in market value, as investors reacted to reports of unchecked hate speech flooding the platform following its explosive 2,850% daily download spike to 14,000 installs after TikTok's U.S. handover[1][4]. Analysts cited server overloads—echoed in the company's X post, "You showed up so fast our servers tapped out"—exacerbating moderation failures, with trading volume surging 450% on fears of regulatory probes[1]. The stock, already down 12% week-to-date
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 8:01:13 PM
UpScrolled faces a **content moderation crisis** as its explosive growth has overwhelmed enforcement systems, with the platform struggling to remove usernames and hashtags containing slurs while harmful posts remain visible for days.[1] The social network, which surged from 150,000 users in early January to 2.5 million by early February following the TikTok ownership transition, has been "flooded" with antisemitic content including Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.[2] CEO Ibrahim Hijazi acknowledged the failures in a public video statement, announcing the company is rapidly expanding its content moderation team and upgrading infrastructure, while the platform grapples with the
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 8:11:14 PM
UpScrolled's explosive growth has fundamentally reshaped the social media competitive landscape, with the platform surging to **2.5 million users globally and becoming Apple's No. 1 social networking app** after experiencing a 2,850% increase in downloads between January 22-24, 2026, directly displacing established competitors like Meta's Threads, WhatsApp, and TikTok.[1][3][5] The platform's meteoric rise—fueled by user migration following TikTok's ownership change and algorithm failures—has coincided with a **critical moderation failure**, as CEO Ibrahim Hijazi acknowledged that "harmful content" including slur-laden usernames,
🔄 Updated: 2/11/2026, 8:21:08 PM
UpScrolled faced significant content moderation challenges as the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported the platform was "flooded" with antisemitic and anti-Israel content, including Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories, following its explosive growth to 2.5 million users globally[1][3]. The platform's rapid ascent to the top of Apple's App Store—driven by a 2,850% increase in downloads between January 22-24 after TikTok's ownership change—outpaced its ability to manage harmful content, prompting UpScrolled to acknowledge that "Our content moderation hasn't been able to keep up with the massive rise of users this week" and pledge to expand its Trust &