UpScrolled, the social network that came under fire after TikTok changed hands in the US, is facing serious moderation issues. After surpassing 2.5 million users in January, users reported that the app did not take action against the creation of usernames or hashtags containing racial slurs, and did not adequately moderate harmful content.
After receiving tips from UpScrolled users, TechCrunch observed a variety of racial slurs and hate speech used in usernames on the app. For example, some usernames include the name of the slur itself, a combination of the slur and other words, or multiple slurs in a single username. Other usernames include hate speech like “Glory to Hitler.”
When I reported these defamations to UpScrolled’s public email address, I received a response from the email saying that the company “aggressively reviews and removes inappropriate content” and is working to expand its moderation capabilities. The email advised them not to engage with the malicious person until the situation was resolved.
Days after reporting this activity on the app, the account with the derogatory username provided to UpScrolled via screenshot remained online.
In addition, slurs and hate speech can also be found elsewhere within the app, such as hashtags and text used alongside photos and video content, TechCrunch’s investigation found. A review of the app by TechCrunch found that other harmful content was also available, including text posts containing racial slurs and hate speech, as well as photo and video content glorifying Hitler.
TechCrunch wasn’t the only one to identify this issue. ADL also published a blog post this month pointing out that UpScrolled is becoming home to anti-Semitic and extremist content, as well as designated foreign terrorist organizations such as Hamas.
Founded in 2025, UpScrolled claims on its website that the platform provides “equal power” to all voices. According to market intelligence provider Appfigures, the app has been downloaded more than 4 million times on iOS and Android since June 2025, an even higher number than the company self-reported last month.
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However, UpScrolled’s FAQ explains that the app does not “censor opinions,” but indicates that its policy is to restrict content that includes “illegal activity, hate speech, bullying, harassment, explicit nudity, unauthorized copyrighted material, or material intended to cause harm.”
The guidance is similar to most modern social media platforms. But it’s clear the company is struggling to enforce the rules.
Social networks, especially those that receive a large influx of new users in a short period of time, often face this battle. For example, Bluesky faced defamation issues in account usernames in July 2023, leading to users threatening to leave the site.
After UpScrolled’s initial response to our inquiry, TechCrunch also received a response from the press account on Tuesday, which directed us to a new video from UpScrolled founder Issam Hijazi, in which he addressed content moderation issues.
In the video, he acknowledged that users are uploading “harmful content” that violates UpScrolled’s terms of service and the company’s beliefs.
“We offer everyone the freedom to express and share their opinions in a healthy and respectful digital environment,” Hijazi said. To create that environment, the company is “rapidly expanding its content management team and upgrading its technology infrastructure to more effectively capture and remove harmful content,” he said.
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