[ComradePhil]

Well, yes, they do reportedly use several tools but from what I understand the flagging is done by members of the community... and certain number of flags "shadow-bans" your comment.

Silicon valley has certain political leanings which is reflected by the majority members here, as expected.

[zozbot234]

My experience here is that downvotes merely for going against "SV political leanings" never happen. Of course, plenty of outsiders like to complain about the "weird" HN politics. It's too liberal, or too conservative, or both. Ultimately, I find that there's at least some potential for tolerably good discussion that preserves intellectual curiosity, and that's what really matters. The techbros vs. anti-techbros tribal fight is just too boring, and that's where I see downvotes and flags all the time.