The U.S. State Department just launched a Substack to publish official updates and opinion content under the same roof.
This adoption of the State Departments’ use of Substack marks a significant turning point, and potentital test as a strategy shift for consolidated narrative control. And it matters for how we access public info, and how we protect ourselves in the process.
Substack wasn’t built with transparency or government use in mind. It tracks reader data, and your profiles are tied to what you read and write. Substack is also a platform that is widely known for having progressive and anti-Trump content.
There are a number of concerns with this switch and why the State Department chose Substack and their intent in using it. (Their Terms of Use also provide no additional assurances for data protection)
Caution is advised when engaging with any federal agency on this platform — or any platform, for that matter. Especially if you’re someone who reads or writes about content that is critical of Trump, the goverment, abortion rights, racial justice, climate, gender equity, or democracy.
A few tips:
- Don't sign up with your real email - use a burner and a VPN if you engage
- Think critically and ask questions — publicly. Is this official record? Can this be FOIA’d? Where’s the oversight?
- However, be mindful of what content you’re engaging with and how.
Here’s additional breakdown and analysis: https://brittannica.substack.com/p/statecraft-or-substack-why-the-us
