Users Report Systematic Deletion of ChatGPT Complaints on Reddit Subreddit

Users Report Systematic Deletion of ChatGPT Complaints on Reddit Subreddit

On the popular Reddit community r/ChatGPT, a growing number of users are alleging that legitimate complaints about the AI model’s performance, ethical concerns, and technical flaws are being systematically deleted by moderators — even when those posts generate significant engagement. The controversy came to a head after user /u/cloudinasty posted a now-deleted inquiry titled "Why are complaints about ChatGPT/OpenAI being deleted on this sub?", describing how three of their posts were removed despite receiving upvotes and active discussion. The user noted this behavior was unprecedented in their experience with the subreddit.

The incident has ignited a firestorm of responses, with dozens of other users corroborating similar experiences. Many pointed to patterns where posts highlighting hallucinations, biased outputs, or data privacy issues were flagged and removed under vague moderation policies, while posts praising OpenAI or sharing success stories remained untouched. This perceived imbalance has led to accusations of a coordinated effort to suppress negative discourse, potentially to maintain a favorable public image for OpenAI and its products.

Reddit’s r/ChatGPT, with over 3 million subscribers, is one of the largest and most active forums for AI enthusiasts, researchers, and critical users. Historically, it has served as a vital space for peer-to-peer troubleshooting and open critique of generative AI systems. However, recent changes in moderation practices have eroded trust. Several users cited instances where posts with thousands of upvotes and hundreds of comments were deleted without explanation, leaving only a placeholder message stating the content violated community guidelines — without specifying which rule was breached.

OpenAI has not issued an official statement regarding the moderation of third-party forums, but the company has publicly emphasized its commitment to "responsible AI" and user feedback. Yet, the disconnect between OpenAI’s public stance and the perceived suppression of criticism on its most prominent user forum raises serious questions about accountability. Critics argue that if an AI system is designed to be transparent and user-centric, then the communities built around it must also reflect those values — including space for dissent.

Reddit moderators for r/ChatGPT have not publicly responded to the allegations, though some anonymous moderators have reportedly told users that deletions were made "for quality control" or to "avoid misinformation." However, many of the removed posts contained verifiable examples of ChatGPT’s failures, including incorrect citations, contradictory responses, and instances of prompt injection exploits — all well-documented in academic and technical literature.

The situation echoes broader concerns in the tech industry about platform governance and algorithmic bias. When community moderation appears to align more closely with corporate PR goals than with user transparency, it undermines the credibility of the entire ecosystem. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, the need for open, unfiltered discourse about its risks and failures has never been greater.

For now, users are turning to alternative platforms — including Discord servers, Mastodon communities, and independent forums — to share their experiences without fear of deletion. Some have even begun archiving deleted posts to preserve evidence of the pattern. The incident serves as a cautionary tale: even in spaces designed for open dialogue, power dynamics and invisible censorship can quietly reshape public understanding of technology.

As investigative journalists continue to monitor the situation, the question remains: Is r/ChatGPT a community forum — or a curated showcase for AI marketing?