Security expert Bruce Schneier has disabled comments on his weekly “Squid Blogging” posts, citing difficulties in maintaining topicality and managing the volume of discussion. The move is part of a broader effort to address increasing toxicity in the blog’s comment sections, a problem that has led to the deletion of numerous posts containing spam, off-topic remarks, personal attacks, and sniping.
Schneier announced the change on February 20, 2026, alongside the latest squid cartoon. He has allowed comments on the post, noting it can be used to discuss security news he hasn’t covered. The decision to curtail comments on the squid posts specifically stems from the open-ended nature of the thread, making focused moderation challenging.
According to a policy update released in June 2024, Schneier began pre-screening all comments, allowing only those that are on-topic, contribute to the discussion, and refrain from personal attacks or insults. This shift was prompted by feedback from readers who had become discouraged by the negative environment. Schneier stated he received three emails in the preceding two months from individuals who had stopped participating in the comments due to the toxicity.
The blog operates without advertising and relies on a part-time moderator, whose limited availability necessitates the pre-screening process. Schneier has maintained an anonymous comment section for nearly two decades, but acknowledges that this may no longer be sustainable. He has indicated that comments will be reviewed and published when possible, typically in the morning and evening, but acknowledges potential delays due to the moderator’s schedule.
The moderation policy emphasizes a subjective standard, prioritizing contributions over strict adherence to rules. Schneier acknowledges that this approach may result in the accidental removal of valid comments, but believes it is a necessary trade-off to improve the quality of discourse. The policy reflects a broader challenge faced by online platforms in balancing free expression with the need to foster constructive conversations.
