X Accused of Shadow Banning Users Who Criticize Elon Musk

People expect social media to be a place where everyone’s voice is heard. However, on X (formerly Twitter), criticism of the platform’s owner, Elon Musk, may carry a hidden penalty.

A recent New York Times investigation suggests that accounts calling Musk out have seen their reach quietly slashed—a tactic known as “shadow banning.” Musk has repeatedly championed his platform as the ultimate free-speech sanctuary.

Yet when users point out his positions or decisions, they can suddenly find themselves speaking into a void. Three right-leaning voices who challenged Musk in December 2024 watched their post views and interactions plummet overnight. They never returned to their usual levels, and they’re convinced X’s administrators throttled their content.

Shadow banning occurs when an account’s posts are deliberately kept out of other users’ timelines, search results, or recommendation feeds, without notice. Engagement metrics that suddenly collapse are often the first clue. That’s precisely what happened to these critics.

“This is working against the type of environment that he claimed he wanted to build,” said Ari Cohn, lead counsel for technology policy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. “Don’t sit here and cloak yourself in the First Amendment and free speech, and then do things like that.”

After Criticizing Musk, Loupis’s Views Plunged from Hundreds of Thousands to Tens

One of those critics, Anastasia Maria Loupis, runs an account with over a million followers. Her daily view counts used to reach into the high hundreds of thousands.

Then, after she publicly challenged Musk on his proposal to welcome skilled immigrants to the U.S. for work, her impressions plunged into the low tens of thousands. Loupis launched a fresh account to test her theory, and that new profile immediately saw far more interaction than her longtime, established one.

“If he did it to small accounts, nobody would notice,” she pointed out. “But when he starts doing it to really, really big influencers with millions of followers, everybody notices.”Unsplash

Laura Loomer Lost Her Blue Check After Challenging Musk on Immigration and Complained X Isn’t “Free Speech”

Laura Loomer, a far-right commentator, encountered the same problem and even lost her verified blue check shortly after sparring with Musk on the immigration question.

“I think it’s wrong to say it’s a free speech platform and then shut off people’s ability to monetize,” Loomer said.

None of the affected users received any formal warning or explanation. Their posts stopped appearing where other people could see them. X has remained tight-lipped about the issue; indy100 reached out for comment but had not heard back by publication time.

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Critics argue that shadow banning undermines the very idea of open debate. When users suspect their content is being hidden, trust in the platform erodes. When that practice appears to target specific individuals who criticize the owner, it raises questions about fairness and transparency.

For now, Musk’s insistence on unrestricted speech on his platform has collided with these reports of behind-the-scenes censorship. The tension highlights a broader dilemma for social media companies: balancing free expression with the power to shape—and sometimes limit—the conversation.

The Ethics of Social Media Governance

Dr. Sherry Turkle, a sociologist and MIT professor, emphasizes the ethical dilemmas surrounding social media governance. She argues that platforms like X must balance user freedom with responsible moderation. Turkle notes, 'When a platform silences voices, it not only fails its users but also undermines public discourse.'

To navigate these challenges, she suggests implementing transparent policies and user education that empower individuals to understand platform dynamics. Encouraging users to engage critically with content can foster a healthier online environment.

Social media expert Dr. Amy Jo Kim advocates for inclusivity in digital spaces, emphasizing the potential harm of shadow banning on marginalized voices. She states, 'When criticism is silenced, it perpetuates power imbalances and hinders progress.'

To improve user experience, she recommends platforms adopt feedback mechanisms that allow users to understand moderation decisions better. This transparency can build trust and enhance user engagement, making social media a more equitable space for dialogue and expression.

Psychological Framework & Solutions

The implications of shadow banning on social media platforms raise crucial questions about free speech and accountability. As Dr. Pepper Schwartz notes, 'When platforms prioritize specific narratives, they risk alienating users and damaging their credibility.'

Future improvements could include clearer guidelines on content moderation and user rights. By fostering an environment where diverse opinions thrive, platforms like X can truly uphold the principles of free speech while maintaining constructive dialogue.