Pump.fun Shuts Down Livestream Feature Following Graphic Content and Threats of Violence

The popular Solana-based meme coin platform, Pump.fun, indefinitely suspended its livestreaming function on Monday following a surge in disturbing user broadcasts.

The platform, known for enabling users to create and promote meme coins, cited the need for stronger moderation tools to handle the increased activity.

“To ensure the absolute safety of our users, we will be pausing the live streaming functionality on the site for an indefinite time period until the moderation infrastructure is ready to deal with the heightened levels of activity,” the notice said. “We will also provide creators and users greater visibility into individual moderation decisions to ensure everyone understands the process and outcomes.”

The decision arrived after a period of escalating concerns regarding the nature of the content being streamed.

Pump.fun Responds to Community Outcry Over Live Stream Content

Pump.fun introduced the livestream feature in August, initially intended as a lighthearted way for users to share their reactions to token price fluctuations. However, the platform soon encountered a darker side to the live streams.

Several broadcasts depicted users engaging in harmful behavior, including threats of self-harm and violence if their meme coins failed to achieve specific market capitalizations.

Hey @pumpdotfun there is currently someone using your livestreams to threaten to hang themselves if the coin does not reach a set marketcap.

Absolutely heinous and It needs to come down + see if you can get them help.

Shut down the livestream feature. This is out of control.

— Beau (@beausecurity) November 25, 2024

One disturbing instance involved a token creator threatening to harm their dog if their meme coin did not hit a $11 million market cap target. Other unsettling reports included a user seemingly faking a suicide attempt and numerous streams featuring violent and sexually explicit material.

Meme Coin Platform Grapples with Content Moderation Challenges

Pump.fun’s founder, @A1lon9 on X (formerly Twitter), addressed the escalating situation on Sunday. He confirmed the removal of the aforementioned dog-related threat, along with hundreds of other streams deemed in violation of Pump.fun’s terms of service.

@A1lon9 emphasized the presence of a dedicated team of moderators already working to filter illicit content, which includes images, videos, livestreams, and comments, while also noting that pornographic material is permitted.

In a previous statement on X, @A1lon9 acknowledged the delicate balance between upholding free speech and ensuring user safety.

with the live streaming meta on in full force there have been many people that came forward with some very legitimate concerns regarding what content that is allowed on the platform

let me make it abundantly clear: we actively moderate illicit content on the site. that includes…

— alon (@a1lon9) November 22, 2024

The platform’s announcement indicated that the livestreaming suspension will remain in effect until appropriate moderation infrastructure can manage the high volume of activity. It also pledged increased transparency regarding moderation decisions to ensure clarity for creators and users.