Dozens of popular subreddits on Reddit have banned links to X, a social media platform, after Elon Musk made a gesture at a Trump rally that historians and human rights groups have described as a Nazi salute. The move comes as communities on the platform debate the change, citing concerns over hate speech and platform moderation.

The banned subreddits, which include r/formula1, r/military, r/nursing, r/TwoXChromosomes, and r/nintendo, among others, cover millions of users across various geography and interests. While individual subreddits are able to institute community rules, Reddit Inc. has no ban on X links, with many still present on the platform.

The controversy began when Musk, who has previously amplified racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories, made the gesture during a speech at a rally for Donald Trump's inauguration. The gesture, which involved Musk placing his hand on his chest and throwing his arm forward at an angle, holding it mid-air for a few moments, was celebrated by neo-Nazis who saw it as a Sieg Heil, or Nazi salute.

Despite criticism, Musk has not disavowed the neo-Nazis' interpretation of his gesture, instead minimizing criticism by writing on X that "The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired." This lack of acknowledgment has sparked concerns over Musk's intentions and his platform's role in spreading hate speech.

The move by the subreddits is seen as a response to these concerns, with many communities seeking to distance themselves from X and its perceived association with extremist ideologies. Some subreddits have announced that they will allow screenshots of content from X but not hyperlinks, while others are discussing following suit.

The decision also highlights the challenges of platform moderation, particularly when it comes to balancing freedom of speech with the need to prevent the spread of hate speech and extremist ideologies. Reddit's commitment to freedom of speech and freedom of association means that individual subreddits have the autonomy to institute community rules, but it also raises questions about the platform's role in shaping online discourse.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the online ecosystem and the role of social media platforms in shaping public opinion. One thing is clear, however: the controversy surrounding Musk's gesture has sparked a necessary conversation about the need for responsible platform moderation and the importance of combating hate speech and extremism online.