[elliekelly]

I like HN’s approach and wish more platforms would follow a similar format. As far as I know, nothing is ever “removed” from the site - it’s just greyed out or hidden by default. Anyone who wants to read the bothersome comments can flip the switch to see them but no one can reply to them which seems like a really effective approach to me.

If a “censored” tweet couldn’t be shared/retweeted/replied to but was still available for anyone who wanted to seek it out then the idea (however distasteful) hasn’t been censored strictly speaking but it also hasn’t been amplified. I’d prefer a compromise that leaves control over acceptable content in the hands of the platform owner or the users rather than the government.

[bootlooped]

In this comment thread you can find at least one comment removed. Search for the text "[flagged]".

[notahacker]

If you have showdead on you can still read the flagged comments, without even needing to click through like a Twitter content warning. I'm sure mods can permanently delete stuff where absolutely necessary, but generally seem to leave it even when it's obvious spam or highly offensive. I guess the big difference between this and social platforms is that nobody comes to HN to show off their edgy credentials to their adoring fan base or organize harassment campaigns via the platform.