Defending Free Speech in a Censored World!
Welcome to Hatreon, a crowdfunding platform born out of necessity in 2017. It was created to defend free speech and empower creators marginalized by mainstream platforms. Founded by Cody Wilson, a prominent libertarian known for his work on 3D-printed firearms through Defense Distributed, Hatreon was envisioned as a response to the increasing de-platforming of individuals and groups based on their political ideologies or controversial viewpoints.
Hatreon rose to prominence by positioning itself as an alternative to platforms like Patreon, GoFundMe, and Kickstarter, which had begun to enforce stricter content moderation policies, particularly against far-right and extremist content. As these platforms started banning users for promoting hate speech or violating terms of service, Hatreon offered a solution: a place where creators could raise funds without fear of censorship, regardless of their views.
The Vision Behind Hatreon
Hatreon was established with a firm belief in the right to free speech—even when that speech is unpopular or controversial. According to Cody Wilson, the platform was created as a “delightful pun” on Patreon, mocking its moderation and investigation of users for alleged hate speech. Wilson, who does not consider himself part of the alt-right, described the site as a space for those who felt unfairly excluded from public discourse.
From the beginning, Hatreon attracted users who had been de-platformed elsewhere, particularly from far-right and white nationalist movements. High-profile figures such as Richard Spencer, the founder of the National Policy Institute, and Andrew Anglin, the creator of the neo-Nazi website The Daily Stormer, quickly signed up. The platform became synonymous with extremist fundraising, which fueled its reputation as a hub for alt-right figures and led to significant media coverage.
Platform Ethos: Free Speech for All
Hatreon’s core philosophy is simple: defend free speech, no matter the cost. The platform operates on the belief that open dialogue is crucial for a functioning democracy, and even the most controversial voices deserve a place to be heard. Hatreon challenges the growing trend of censorship on online platforms by standing firm against the idea that companies should have the authority to police speech.
In its first few months, Hatreon hosted various creators who had been banned from other services. While these bans were mainly due to violations of terms regarding hate speech or extremist content, Hatreon viewed these actions as censorship. Cody Wilson saw this as an opportunity to create a platform allowing unrestricted expression, which he argued was crucial in an era of increasing corporate control over speech.
Challenges and Controversy
Despite its controversial user base, Hatreon’s mission was to provide a space for all voices, regardless of how inflammatory they may be. However, this open-door policy made it difficult for the platform to sustain itself. In late 2017, payment processors like PayPal and Mastercard began pulling their support from Hatreon, citing the platform’s association with hate speech and extremist groups. This led to the platform being effectively de-platformed as it struggled to find payment solutions and infrastructure support.
Although Hatreon’s existence was short-lived, it highlighted a critical debate about the role of technology platforms in moderating content. By providing a space for controversial and extremist views, Hatreon forced the conversation about online free speech, censorship, and tech companies’ responsibilities to the forefront.
Legacy and Impact
While Hatreon is no longer operational, its influence on the “alt-tech” movement and other free-speech platforms cannot be denied. After its demise, platforms like Gab, BitChute, and others have followed suit, offering similar services to individuals and groups banned from mainstream platforms. Hatreon may no longer exist, but its role in shaping the conversation about online censorship and the limits of free speech continues to reverberate.
For those interested in exploring the platform’s impact and the broader debate around online censorship, you can learn more through the following resources:
- Hate groups sidestep Big Tech – Marketplace.org
- How hate speech crowdfunding outfit Hatreon crept back online – TechCrunch
- The Alt-Right Is Now Using ‘Hatreon’ to Crowdfund Its Projects – Observer
- Meet Cody Wilson, the ‘crypto-anarchist’ who wants you to be able to 3D-print unregulated guns – ABC News
- Funding Hate: How extremists like the ones who attacked the Capitol are making money off the internet – SPLC
- Hatreon: The Crowdfunding Platform for Hate – The Atlantic
- How Hatreon Became a Hub for Funding Hate Groups – Wired
- The Rise of Hate-Fueled Crowdfunding Platforms – The Guardian
- Cody Wilson and the Controversial Hatreon Platform – NPR
- Inside Hatreon: A Crowdfunding Site for White Supremacists – The Daily Beast
- The New Wave of Alt-Right Crowdfunding Platforms – Vox
- Hatreon: A New Kind of Crowdfunding for Hate Groups – The New Yorker
- Crowdfunding Hate: How Hatreon Supports Extremism – Business Insider
- The Dark Side of Crowdfunding: Hatreon’s Role in Financing Hate Groups – Salon
- Hatreon and the Future of Hate Speech Online – The Verge
- The Mechanics of Hate: How Hatreon Works – Mother Jones
- Hatreon’s Impact on Online Fundraising for Extremist Groups – Politico
- Crowdfunding and Extremism: The Role of Hatreon – The Hill
- Hatreon’s Place in the Alt-Right Ecosystem – The Independent
- Exploring Hatreon’s Funding Model for Hate Groups – Quartz
- Hatreon’s Role in Supporting Extremist Ideologies – The Washington Post
- The Rise of Alternative Crowdfunding Platforms Like Hatreon – Financial Times
- Cody Wilson: Techno-Anarchist and Hatreon Founder- Wikipedia
- Hatreon: The Censorship-Free Crowdfunding Platform – Daily Wire
- The Forward: Where Neo-Nazis Go to Crowdfund – The Forward
- The Alt-Right Created a Parallel Internet. It’s an Unholy Mess – NY Times
At Hatreon, free expression is our guiding principle. We stand firm against censorship and believe that open dialogue—even with the most controversial ideas—is the cornerstone of a truly free society. Our mission is to create a space where creators can continue their work without being beholden to the internet’s gatekeepers.
Join us in supporting freedom of expression for all as we build a platform that empowers those who refuse to conform.
Hatreon—Freedom of speech, no matter the cost.