Substack Blocks Security Content Due to Network Error
Published:Dec 28, 2025 04:16
•1 min read
•Simon Willison
Analysis
The article details an issue where Substack's platform prevented the author from publishing a newsletter due to a "Network error." The root cause was identified as the inclusion of content describing a SQL injection attack, specifically an annotated example exploit. This highlights a potential censorship mechanism within Substack, where security-related content, even for educational purposes, can be flagged and blocked. The author used ChatGPT and Hacker News to diagnose the problem, demonstrating the value of community and AI in troubleshooting technical issues. The incident raises questions about platform policies regarding security content and the potential for unintended censorship.
Key Takeaways
Reference
“Deleting that annotated example exploit allowed me to send the letter!”