From 76cd6ac6bc7e286e6b15363b5c3904523bc326a9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: nutomic <nutomic@noreply.yerbamate.dev>
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2020 14:39:55 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] Add more checks in inbox, plus some refactoring (#76)

Merge branch 'main' into more-inbox-permissions

Move check_community_ban() into helper function

Move slur check into helper functions

Move Claims::decode and site ban check into helper function

Note: this changes behaviour in that site ban is checked in more
places now. we could easily add a boolean parameter
check_for_site_ban to get the previous behaviour back

Rewrite user_inbox and community_inbox in the same way as shared_inbox

Add check against instance allowlist etc in shared_inbox

Co-authored-by: dessalines <dessalines@noreply.yerbamate.dev>
Co-authored-by: Felix Ableitner <me@nutomic.com>
Reviewed-on: https://yerbamate.dev/LemmyNet/lemmy/pulls/76
---
 server/src/api/comment.rs                  | 194 ++++-----------
 server/src/api/community.rs                | 220 ++++-------------
 server/src/api/mod.rs                      |  56 ++++-
 server/src/api/post.rs                     | 268 +++++----------------
 server/src/api/site.rs                     | 121 +++-------
 server/src/api/user.rs                     | 209 ++++------------
 server/src/apub/activities.rs              |   7 +-
 server/src/apub/fetcher.rs                 |   6 +-
 server/src/apub/inbox/activities/create.rs |   1 -
 server/src/apub/inbox/community_inbox.rs   |  60 +++--
 server/src/apub/inbox/shared_inbox.rs      |  21 +-
 server/src/apub/inbox/user_inbox.rs        | 116 ++++-----
 server/src/apub/mod.rs                     |  23 +-
 13 files changed, 398 insertions(+), 904 deletions(-)

diff --git a/server/src/api/comment.rs b/server/src/api/comment.rs
index 7dfce473..e3189d43 100644
--- a/server/src/api/comment.rs
+++ b/server/src/api/comment.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,13 @@
 use crate::{
-  api::{claims::Claims, is_mod_or_admin, APIError, Oper, Perform},
+  api::{
+    check_community_ban,
+    get_user_from_jwt,
+    get_user_from_jwt_opt,
+    is_mod_or_admin,
+    APIError,
+    Oper,
+    Perform,
+  },
   apub::{ApubLikeableType, ApubObjectType},
   blocking,
   websocket::{
@@ -13,7 +21,6 @@ use crate::{
 use lemmy_db::{
   comment::*,
   comment_view::*,
-  community_view::*,
   moderator::*,
   post::*,
   site_view::*,
@@ -123,13 +130,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateComment> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommentResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &CreateComment = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let content_slurs_removed = remove_slurs(&data.content.to_owned());
 
@@ -137,7 +138,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateComment> {
       content: content_slurs_removed,
       parent_id: data.parent_id.to_owned(),
       post_id: data.post_id,
-      creator_id: user_id,
+      creator_id: user.id,
       removed: None,
       deleted: None,
       read: None,
@@ -151,18 +152,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateComment> {
     let post_id = data.post_id;
     let post = blocking(pool, move |conn| Post::read(conn, post_id)).await??;
 
-    let community_id = post.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(&conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, post.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Check if post is locked, no new comments
     if post.locked {
@@ -203,7 +193,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateComment> {
     let like_form = CommentLikeForm {
       comment_id: inserted_comment.id,
       post_id: data.post_id,
-      user_id,
+      user_id: user.id,
       score: 1,
     };
 
@@ -214,6 +204,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateComment> {
 
     updated_comment.send_like(&user, &self.client, pool).await?;
 
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let comment_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommentView::read(&conn, inserted_comment.id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -251,34 +242,16 @@ impl Perform for Oper<EditComment> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommentResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &EditComment = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_comment =
       blocking(pool, move |conn| CommentView::read(&conn, edit_id, None)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = orig_comment.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, orig_comment.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify that only the creator can edit
-    if user_id != orig_comment.creator_id {
+    if user.id != orig_comment.creator_id {
       return Err(APIError::err("no_comment_edit_allowed").into());
     }
 
@@ -309,6 +282,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<EditComment> {
       send_local_notifs(mentions, updated_comment, &user, post, pool, false).await?;
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let comment_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommentView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -346,34 +320,16 @@ impl Perform for Oper<DeleteComment> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommentResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &DeleteComment = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_comment =
       blocking(pool, move |conn| CommentView::read(&conn, edit_id, None)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = orig_comment.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, orig_comment.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify that only the creator can delete
-    if user_id != orig_comment.creator_id {
+    if user.id != orig_comment.creator_id {
       return Err(APIError::err("no_comment_edit_allowed").into());
     }
 
@@ -401,6 +357,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<DeleteComment> {
 
     // Refetch it
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let comment_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommentView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -445,34 +402,16 @@ impl Perform for Oper<RemoveComment> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommentResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &RemoveComment = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_comment =
       blocking(pool, move |conn| CommentView::read(&conn, edit_id, None)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = orig_comment.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, orig_comment.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify that only a mod or admin can remove
-    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user_id, community_id).await?;
+    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user.id, orig_comment.community_id).await?;
 
     // Do the remove
     let removed = data.removed;
@@ -487,7 +426,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<RemoveComment> {
 
     // Mod tables
     let form = ModRemoveCommentForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       comment_id: data.edit_id,
       removed: Some(removed),
       reason: data.reason.to_owned(),
@@ -507,6 +446,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<RemoveComment> {
 
     // Refetch it
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let comment_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommentView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -551,31 +491,13 @@ impl Perform for Oper<MarkCommentAsRead> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommentResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &MarkCommentAsRead = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_comment =
       blocking(pool, move |conn| CommentView::read(&conn, edit_id, None)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = orig_comment.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, orig_comment.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify that only the recipient can mark as read
     // Needs to fetch the parent comment / post to get the recipient
@@ -584,14 +506,14 @@ impl Perform for Oper<MarkCommentAsRead> {
       Some(pid) => {
         let parent_comment =
           blocking(pool, move |conn| CommentView::read(&conn, pid, None)).await??;
-        if user_id != parent_comment.creator_id {
+        if user.id != parent_comment.creator_id {
           return Err(APIError::err("no_comment_edit_allowed").into());
         }
       }
       None => {
         let parent_post_id = orig_comment.post_id;
         let parent_post = blocking(pool, move |conn| Post::read(conn, parent_post_id)).await??;
-        if user_id != parent_post.creator_id {
+        if user.id != parent_post.creator_id {
           return Err(APIError::err("no_comment_edit_allowed").into());
         }
       }
@@ -606,6 +528,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<MarkCommentAsRead> {
 
     // Refetch it
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let comment_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommentView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -631,17 +554,11 @@ impl Perform for Oper<SaveComment> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommentResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &SaveComment = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let comment_saved_form = CommentSavedForm {
       comment_id: data.comment_id,
-      user_id,
+      user_id: user.id,
     };
 
     if data.save {
@@ -657,6 +574,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<SaveComment> {
     }
 
     let comment_id = data.comment_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let comment_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommentView::read(conn, comment_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -680,13 +598,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommentLike> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommentResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &CreateCommentLike = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let mut recipient_ids = Vec::new();
 
@@ -702,21 +614,9 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommentLike> {
     let orig_comment =
       blocking(pool, move |conn| CommentView::read(&conn, comment_id, None)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a community ban
     let post_id = orig_comment.post_id;
     let post = blocking(pool, move |conn| Post::read(conn, post_id)).await??;
-    let community_id = post.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, post.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     let comment_id = data.comment_id;
     let comment = blocking(pool, move |conn| Comment::read(conn, comment_id)).await??;
@@ -725,7 +625,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommentLike> {
     match comment.parent_id {
       Some(parent_id) => {
         let parent_comment = blocking(pool, move |conn| Comment::read(conn, parent_id)).await??;
-        if parent_comment.creator_id != user_id {
+        if parent_comment.creator_id != user.id {
           let parent_user = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
             User_::read(conn, parent_comment.creator_id)
           })
@@ -741,7 +641,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommentLike> {
     let like_form = CommentLikeForm {
       comment_id: data.comment_id,
       post_id,
-      user_id,
+      user_id: user.id,
       score: data.score,
     };
 
@@ -769,6 +669,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommentLike> {
 
     // Have to refetch the comment to get the current state
     let comment_id = data.comment_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let liked_comment = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommentView::read(conn, comment_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -806,19 +707,8 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetComments> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetCommentsResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetComments = &self.data;
-
-    let user_claims: Option<Claims> = match &data.auth {
-      Some(auth) => match Claims::decode(&auth) {
-        Ok(claims) => Some(claims.claims),
-        Err(_e) => None,
-      },
-      None => None,
-    };
-
-    let user_id = match &user_claims {
-      Some(claims) => Some(claims.id),
-      None => None,
-    };
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt_opt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
+    let user_id = user.map(|u| u.id);
 
     let type_ = ListingType::from_str(&data.type_)?;
     let sort = SortType::from_str(&data.sort)?;
diff --git a/server/src/api/community.rs b/server/src/api/community.rs
index e4a8b6e8..904dfe53 100644
--- a/server/src/api/community.rs
+++ b/server/src/api/community.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 use super::*;
 use crate::{
-  api::{claims::Claims, is_admin, is_mod_or_admin, APIError, Oper, Perform},
+  api::{is_admin, is_mod_or_admin, APIError, Oper, Perform},
   apub::ActorType,
   blocking,
   websocket::{
@@ -16,8 +16,6 @@ use lemmy_utils::{
   is_valid_community_name,
   make_apub_endpoint,
   naive_from_unix,
-  slur_check,
-  slurs_vec_to_str,
   EndpointType,
 };
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
@@ -154,17 +152,8 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetCommunity> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetCommunityResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetCommunity = &self.data;
-
-    let user_id: Option<i32> = match &data.auth {
-      Some(auth) => match Claims::decode(&auth) {
-        Ok(claims) => {
-          let user_id = claims.claims.id;
-          Some(user_id)
-        }
-        Err(_e) => None,
-      },
-      None => None,
-    };
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt_opt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
+    let user_id = user.map(|u| u.id);
 
     let name = data.name.to_owned().unwrap_or_else(|| "main".to_string());
     let community = match data.id {
@@ -234,38 +223,16 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommunity> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommunityResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &CreateCommunity = &self.data;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(&data.name) {
-      return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-    }
-
-    if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(&data.title) {
-      return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-    }
-
-    if let Some(description) = &data.description {
-      if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(description) {
-        return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-      }
-    }
+    check_slurs(&data.name)?;
+    check_slurs(&data.title)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&data.description)?;
 
     if !is_valid_community_name(&data.name) {
       return Err(APIError::err("invalid_community_name").into());
     }
 
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| UserView::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user_view.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
     // Double check for duplicate community actor_ids
     let actor_id = make_apub_endpoint(EndpointType::Community, &data.name).to_string();
     let actor_id_cloned = actor_id.to_owned();
@@ -285,7 +252,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommunity> {
       title: data.title.to_owned(),
       description: data.description.to_owned(),
       category_id: data.category_id,
-      creator_id: user_id,
+      creator_id: user.id,
       removed: None,
       deleted: None,
       nsfw: data.nsfw,
@@ -306,7 +273,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommunity> {
 
     let community_moderator_form = CommunityModeratorForm {
       community_id: inserted_community.id,
-      user_id,
+      user_id: user.id,
     };
 
     let join = move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityModerator::join(conn, &community_moderator_form);
@@ -316,7 +283,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommunity> {
 
     let community_follower_form = CommunityFollowerForm {
       community_id: inserted_community.id,
-      user_id,
+      user_id: user.id,
     };
 
     let follow = move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityFollower::follow(conn, &community_follower_form);
@@ -324,6 +291,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateCommunity> {
       return Err(APIError::err("community_follower_already_exists").into());
     }
 
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let community_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommunityView::read(conn, inserted_community.id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -345,29 +313,10 @@ impl Perform for Oper<EditCommunity> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommunityResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &EditCommunity = &self.data;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(&data.title) {
-      return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-    }
-
-    if let Some(description) = &data.description {
-      if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(description) {
-        return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-      }
-    }
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_slurs(&data.title)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&data.description)?;
 
     // Verify its a mod (only mods can edit it)
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
@@ -376,7 +325,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<EditCommunity> {
         .map(|v| v.into_iter().map(|m| m.user_id).collect())
     })
     .await??;
-    if !mods.contains(&user_id) {
+    if !mods.contains(&user.id) {
       return Err(APIError::err("not_a_moderator").into());
     }
 
@@ -415,6 +364,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<EditCommunity> {
     // process for communities and users
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let community_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommunityView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -440,24 +390,12 @@ impl Perform for Oper<DeleteCommunity> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommunityResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &DeleteCommunity = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify its the creator (only a creator can delete the community)
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let read_community = blocking(pool, move |conn| Community::read(conn, edit_id)).await??;
-    if read_community.creator_id != user_id {
+    if read_community.creator_id != user.id {
       return Err(APIError::err("no_community_edit_allowed").into());
     }
 
@@ -485,6 +423,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<DeleteCommunity> {
     }
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let community_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommunityView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -510,22 +449,10 @@ impl Perform for Oper<RemoveCommunity> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommunityResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &RemoveCommunity = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify its an admin (only an admin can remove a community)
-    is_admin(pool, user_id).await?;
+    is_admin(pool, user.id).await?;
 
     // Do the remove
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
@@ -545,7 +472,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<RemoveCommunity> {
       None => None,
     };
     let form = ModRemoveCommunityForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       community_id: data.edit_id,
       removed: Some(removed),
       reason: data.reason.to_owned(),
@@ -565,6 +492,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<RemoveCommunity> {
     }
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let community_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommunityView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -590,19 +518,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<ListCommunities> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<ListCommunitiesResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &ListCommunities = &self.data;
-
-    // For logged in users, you need to get back subscribed, and settings
-    let user: Option<User_> = match &data.auth {
-      Some(auth) => match Claims::decode(&auth) {
-        Ok(claims) => {
-          let user_id = claims.claims.id;
-          let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-          Some(user)
-        }
-        Err(_e) => None,
-      },
-      None => None,
-    };
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt_opt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let user_id = match &user {
       Some(user) => Some(user.id),
@@ -644,19 +560,13 @@ impl Perform for Oper<FollowCommunity> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<CommunityResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &FollowCommunity = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let community_id = data.community_id;
     let community = blocking(pool, move |conn| Community::read(conn, community_id)).await??;
     let community_follower_form = CommunityFollowerForm {
       community_id: data.community_id,
-      user_id,
+      user_id: user.id,
     };
 
     if community.local {
@@ -672,29 +582,25 @@ impl Perform for Oper<FollowCommunity> {
           return Err(APIError::err("community_follower_already_exists").into());
         }
       }
+    } else if data.follow {
+      // Dont actually add to the community followers here, because you need
+      // to wait for the accept
+      user
+        .send_follow(&community.actor_id, &self.client, pool)
+        .await?;
     } else {
-      let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-
-      if data.follow {
-        // Dont actually add to the community followers here, because you need
-        // to wait for the accept
-        user
-          .send_follow(&community.actor_id, &self.client, pool)
-          .await?;
-      } else {
-        user
-          .send_unfollow(&community.actor_id, &self.client, pool)
-          .await?;
-        let unfollow =
-          move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityFollower::unfollow(conn, &community_follower_form);
-        if blocking(pool, unfollow).await?.is_err() {
-          return Err(APIError::err("community_follower_already_exists").into());
-        }
+      user
+        .send_unfollow(&community.actor_id, &self.client, pool)
+        .await?;
+      let unfollow = move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityFollower::unfollow(conn, &community_follower_form);
+      if blocking(pool, unfollow).await?.is_err() {
+        return Err(APIError::err("community_follower_already_exists").into());
       }
-      // TODO: this needs to return a "pending" state, until Accept is received from the remote server
     }
+    // TODO: this needs to return a "pending" state, until Accept is received from the remote server
 
     let community_id = data.community_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let community_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommunityView::read(conn, community_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -716,14 +622,9 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetFollowedCommunities> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetFollowedCommunitiesResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetFollowedCommunities = &self.data;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let communities = match blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommunityFollowerView::for_user(conn, user_id)
     })
@@ -748,18 +649,12 @@ impl Perform for Oper<BanFromCommunity> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<BanFromCommunityResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &BanFromCommunity = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let community_id = data.community_id;
 
     // Verify that only mods or admins can ban
-    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user_id, community_id).await?;
+    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user.id, community_id).await?;
 
     let community_user_ban_form = CommunityUserBanForm {
       community_id: data.community_id,
@@ -786,7 +681,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<BanFromCommunity> {
     };
 
     let form = ModBanFromCommunityForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       other_user_id: data.user_id,
       community_id: data.community_id,
       reason: data.reason.to_owned(),
@@ -826,13 +721,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<AddModToCommunity> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<AddModToCommunityResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &AddModToCommunity = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let community_moderator_form = CommunityModeratorForm {
       community_id: data.community_id,
@@ -842,7 +731,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<AddModToCommunity> {
     let community_id = data.community_id;
 
     // Verify that only mods or admins can add mod
-    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user_id, community_id).await?;
+    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user.id, community_id).await?;
 
     if data.added {
       let join = move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityModerator::join(conn, &community_moderator_form);
@@ -858,7 +747,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<AddModToCommunity> {
 
     // Mod tables
     let form = ModAddCommunityForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       other_user_id: data.user_id,
       community_id: data.community_id,
       removed: Some(!data.added),
@@ -896,13 +785,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<TransferCommunity> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetCommunityResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &TransferCommunity = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let community_id = data.community_id;
     let read_community = blocking(pool, move |conn| Community::read(conn, community_id)).await??;
@@ -917,7 +800,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<TransferCommunity> {
     admins.insert(0, creator_user);
 
     // Make sure user is the creator, or an admin
-    if user_id != read_community.creator_id && !admins.iter().map(|a| a.id).any(|x| x == user_id) {
+    if user.id != read_community.creator_id && !admins.iter().map(|a| a.id).any(|x| x == user.id) {
       return Err(APIError::err("not_an_admin").into());
     }
 
@@ -962,7 +845,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<TransferCommunity> {
 
     // Mod tables
     let form = ModAddCommunityForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       other_user_id: data.user_id,
       community_id: data.community_id,
       removed: Some(false),
@@ -970,6 +853,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<TransferCommunity> {
     blocking(pool, move |conn| ModAddCommunity::create(conn, &form)).await??;
 
     let community_id = data.community_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let community_view = match blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommunityView::read(conn, community_id, Some(user_id))
     })
diff --git a/server/src/api/mod.rs b/server/src/api/mod.rs
index 11f958f0..a9aae823 100644
--- a/server/src/api/mod.rs
+++ b/server/src/api/mod.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-use crate::{blocking, websocket::WebsocketInfo, DbPool, LemmyError};
+use crate::{api::claims::Claims, blocking, websocket::WebsocketInfo, DbPool, LemmyError};
 use actix_web::client::Client;
 use lemmy_db::{
   community::*,
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ use lemmy_db::{
   user_view::*,
   Crud,
 };
+use lemmy_utils::{slur_check, slurs_vec_to_str};
 use thiserror::Error;
 
 pub mod claims;
@@ -75,3 +76,56 @@ pub async fn is_admin(pool: &DbPool, user_id: i32) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
   }
   Ok(())
 }
+
+pub(in crate::api) async fn get_user_from_jwt(
+  jwt: &str,
+  pool: &DbPool,
+) -> Result<User_, LemmyError> {
+  let claims = match Claims::decode(&jwt) {
+    Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
+    Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
+  };
+  let user_id = claims.id;
+  let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
+  // Check for a site ban
+  if user.banned {
+    return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
+  }
+  Ok(user)
+}
+
+pub(in crate::api) async fn get_user_from_jwt_opt(
+  jwt: &Option<String>,
+  pool: &DbPool,
+) -> Result<Option<User_>, LemmyError> {
+  match jwt {
+    Some(jwt) => Ok(Some(get_user_from_jwt(jwt, pool).await?)),
+    None => Ok(None),
+  }
+}
+
+pub(in crate::api) fn check_slurs(text: &str) -> Result<(), APIError> {
+  if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(text) {
+    Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)))
+  } else {
+    Ok(())
+  }
+}
+pub(in crate::api) fn check_slurs_opt(text: &Option<String>) -> Result<(), APIError> {
+  match text {
+    Some(t) => check_slurs(t),
+    None => Ok(()),
+  }
+}
+pub(in crate::api) async fn check_community_ban(
+  user_id: i32,
+  community_id: i32,
+  pool: &DbPool,
+) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
+  let is_banned = move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
+  if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
+    Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into())
+  } else {
+    Ok(())
+  }
+}
diff --git a/server/src/api/post.rs b/server/src/api/post.rs
index e346a6c8..b43e4e55 100644
--- a/server/src/api/post.rs
+++ b/server/src/api/post.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,15 @@
 use crate::{
-  api::{claims::Claims, is_mod_or_admin, APIError, Oper, Perform},
+  api::{
+    check_community_ban,
+    check_slurs,
+    check_slurs_opt,
+    get_user_from_jwt,
+    get_user_from_jwt_opt,
+    is_mod_or_admin,
+    APIError,
+    Oper,
+    Perform,
+  },
   apub::{ApubLikeableType, ApubObjectType},
   blocking,
   fetch_iframely_and_pictrs_data,
@@ -19,20 +29,13 @@ use lemmy_db::{
   post::*,
   post_view::*,
   site_view::*,
-  user::*,
   Crud,
   Likeable,
   ListingType,
   Saveable,
   SortType,
 };
-use lemmy_utils::{
-  is_valid_post_title,
-  make_apub_endpoint,
-  slur_check,
-  slurs_vec_to_str,
-  EndpointType,
-};
+use lemmy_utils::{is_valid_post_title, make_apub_endpoint, EndpointType};
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::str::FromStr;
 use url::Url;
@@ -146,41 +149,16 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreatePost> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PostResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &CreatePost = &self.data;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(&data.name) {
-      return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-    }
-
-    if let Some(body) = &data.body {
-      if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(body) {
-        return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-      }
-    }
+    check_slurs(&data.name)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&data.body)?;
 
     if !is_valid_post_title(&data.name) {
       return Err(APIError::err("invalid_post_title").into());
     }
 
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = data.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, data.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     if let Some(url) = data.url.as_ref() {
       match Url::parse(url) {
@@ -198,7 +176,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreatePost> {
       url: data.url.to_owned(),
       body: data.body.to_owned(),
       community_id: data.community_id,
-      creator_id: user_id,
+      creator_id: user.id,
       removed: None,
       deleted: None,
       nsfw: data.nsfw,
@@ -244,7 +222,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreatePost> {
     // They like their own post by default
     let like_form = PostLikeForm {
       post_id: inserted_post.id,
-      user_id,
+      user_id: user.id,
       score: 1,
     };
 
@@ -258,7 +236,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreatePost> {
     // Refetch the view
     let inserted_post_id = inserted_post.id;
     let post_view = match blocking(pool, move |conn| {
-      PostView::read(conn, inserted_post_id, Some(user_id))
+      PostView::read(conn, inserted_post_id, Some(user.id))
     })
     .await?
     {
@@ -290,17 +268,8 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetPost> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetPostResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetPost = &self.data;
-
-    let user_id: Option<i32> = match &data.auth {
-      Some(auth) => match Claims::decode(&auth) {
-        Ok(claims) => {
-          let user_id = claims.claims.id;
-          Some(user_id)
-        }
-        Err(_e) => None,
-      },
-      None => None,
-    };
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt_opt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
+    let user_id = user.map(|u| u.id);
 
     let id = data.id;
     let post_view = match blocking(pool, move |conn| PostView::read(conn, id, user_id)).await? {
@@ -369,19 +338,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetPosts> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetPostsResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetPosts = &self.data;
-
-    // For logged in users, you need to get back subscribed, and settings
-    let user: Option<User_> = match &data.auth {
-      Some(auth) => match Claims::decode(&auth) {
-        Ok(claims) => {
-          let user_id = claims.claims.id;
-          let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-          Some(user)
-        }
-        Err(_e) => None,
-      },
-      None => None,
-    };
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt_opt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let user_id = match &user {
       Some(user) => Some(user.id),
@@ -446,13 +403,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreatePostLike> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PostResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &CreatePostLike = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Don't do a downvote if site has downvotes disabled
     if data.score == -1 {
@@ -466,22 +417,11 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreatePostLike> {
     let post_id = data.post_id;
     let post = blocking(pool, move |conn| Post::read(conn, post_id)).await??;
 
-    let community_id = post.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, post.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     let like_form = PostLikeForm {
       post_id: data.post_id,
-      user_id,
+      user_id: user.id,
       score: data.score,
     };
 
@@ -508,6 +448,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreatePostLike> {
     }
 
     let post_id = data.post_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let post_view = match blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       PostView::read(conn, post_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -541,47 +482,22 @@ impl Perform for Oper<EditPost> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PostResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &EditPost = &self.data;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(&data.name) {
-      return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-    }
-
-    if let Some(body) = &data.body {
-      if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(body) {
-        return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-      }
-    }
+    check_slurs(&data.name)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&data.body)?;
 
     if !is_valid_post_title(&data.name) {
       return Err(APIError::err("invalid_post_title").into());
     }
 
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_post = blocking(pool, move |conn| Post::read(conn, edit_id)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = orig_post.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, orig_post.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify that only the creator can edit
-    if !Post::is_post_creator(user_id, orig_post.creator_id) {
+    if !Post::is_post_creator(user.id, orig_post.creator_id) {
       return Err(APIError::err("no_post_edit_allowed").into());
     }
 
@@ -630,7 +546,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<EditPost> {
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let post_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
-      PostView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
+      PostView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user.id))
     })
     .await??;
 
@@ -658,33 +574,15 @@ impl Perform for Oper<DeletePost> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PostResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &DeletePost = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_post = blocking(pool, move |conn| Post::read(conn, edit_id)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = orig_post.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, orig_post.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify that only the creator can delete
-    if !Post::is_post_creator(user_id, orig_post.creator_id) {
+    if !Post::is_post_creator(user.id, orig_post.creator_id) {
       return Err(APIError::err("no_post_edit_allowed").into());
     }
 
@@ -708,7 +606,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<DeletePost> {
     // Refetch the post
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let post_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
-      PostView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
+      PostView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user.id))
     })
     .await??;
 
@@ -736,33 +634,15 @@ impl Perform for Oper<RemovePost> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PostResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &RemovePost = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_post = blocking(pool, move |conn| Post::read(conn, edit_id)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = orig_post.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, orig_post.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify that only the mods can remove
-    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user_id, community_id).await?;
+    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user.id, orig_post.community_id).await?;
 
     // Update the post
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
@@ -774,7 +654,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<RemovePost> {
 
     // Mod tables
     let form = ModRemovePostForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       post_id: data.edit_id,
       removed: Some(removed),
       reason: data.reason.to_owned(),
@@ -792,6 +672,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<RemovePost> {
 
     // Refetch the post
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let post_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       PostView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
     })
@@ -821,33 +702,15 @@ impl Perform for Oper<LockPost> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PostResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &LockPost = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_post = blocking(pool, move |conn| Post::read(conn, edit_id)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = orig_post.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, orig_post.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify that only the mods can lock
-    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user_id, community_id).await?;
+    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user.id, orig_post.community_id).await?;
 
     // Update the post
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
@@ -857,7 +720,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<LockPost> {
 
     // Mod tables
     let form = ModLockPostForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       post_id: data.edit_id,
       locked: Some(locked),
     };
@@ -869,7 +732,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<LockPost> {
     // Refetch the post
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let post_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
-      PostView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
+      PostView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user.id))
     })
     .await??;
 
@@ -897,33 +760,15 @@ impl Perform for Oper<StickyPost> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PostResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &StickyPost = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_post = blocking(pool, move |conn| Post::read(conn, edit_id)).await??;
 
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
-    // Check for a community ban
-    let community_id = orig_post.community_id;
-    let is_banned =
-      move |conn: &'_ _| CommunityUserBanView::get(conn, user_id, community_id).is_ok();
-    if blocking(pool, is_banned).await? {
-      return Err(APIError::err("community_ban").into());
-    }
+    check_community_ban(user.id, orig_post.community_id, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify that only the mods can sticky
-    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user_id, community_id).await?;
+    is_mod_or_admin(pool, user.id, orig_post.community_id).await?;
 
     // Update the post
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
@@ -935,7 +780,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<StickyPost> {
 
     // Mod tables
     let form = ModStickyPostForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       post_id: data.edit_id,
       stickied: Some(stickied),
     };
@@ -948,7 +793,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<StickyPost> {
     // Refetch the post
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let post_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
-      PostView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user_id))
+      PostView::read(conn, edit_id, Some(user.id))
     })
     .await??;
 
@@ -976,17 +821,11 @@ impl Perform for Oper<SavePost> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PostResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &SavePost = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let post_saved_form = PostSavedForm {
       post_id: data.post_id,
-      user_id,
+      user_id: user.id,
     };
 
     if data.save {
@@ -1002,6 +841,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<SavePost> {
     }
 
     let post_id = data.post_id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let post_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       PostView::read(conn, post_id, Some(user_id))
     })
diff --git a/server/src/api/site.rs b/server/src/api/site.rs
index adade080..82cad961 100644
--- a/server/src/api/site.rs
+++ b/server/src/api/site.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,15 @@
 use super::user::Register;
 use crate::{
-  api::{claims::Claims, is_admin, APIError, Oper, Perform},
+  api::{
+    check_slurs,
+    check_slurs_opt,
+    get_user_from_jwt,
+    get_user_from_jwt_opt,
+    is_admin,
+    APIError,
+    Oper,
+    Perform,
+  },
   apub::fetcher::search_by_apub_id,
   blocking,
   version,
@@ -24,7 +33,7 @@ use lemmy_db::{
   SearchType,
   SortType,
 };
-use lemmy_utils::{settings::Settings, slur_check, slurs_vec_to_str};
+use lemmy_utils::settings::Settings;
 use log::{debug, info};
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::str::FromStr;
@@ -243,30 +252,18 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreateSite> {
   ) -> Result<SiteResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &CreateSite = &self.data;
 
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(&data.name) {
-      return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-    }
-
-    if let Some(description) = &data.description {
-      if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(description) {
-        return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-      }
-    }
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    check_slurs(&data.name)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&data.description)?;
 
     // Make sure user is an admin
-    is_admin(pool, user_id).await?;
+    is_admin(pool, user.id).await?;
 
     let site_form = SiteForm {
       name: data.name.to_owned(),
       description: data.description.to_owned(),
-      creator_id: user_id,
+      creator_id: user.id,
       enable_downvotes: data.enable_downvotes,
       open_registration: data.open_registration,
       enable_nsfw: data.enable_nsfw,
@@ -293,26 +290,13 @@ impl Perform for Oper<EditSite> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<SiteResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &EditSite = &self.data;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(&data.name) {
-      return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-    }
-
-    if let Some(description) = &data.description {
-      if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(description) {
-        return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-      }
-    }
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    check_slurs(&data.name)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&data.description)?;
 
     // Make sure user is an admin
-    is_admin(pool, user_id).await?;
+    is_admin(pool, user.id).await?;
 
     let found_site = blocking(pool, move |conn| Site::read(conn, 1)).await??;
 
@@ -421,21 +405,12 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetSite> {
       0
     };
 
-    // Giving back your user, if you're logged in
-    let my_user: Option<User_> = match &data.auth {
-      Some(auth) => match Claims::decode(&auth) {
-        Ok(claims) => {
-          let user_id = claims.claims.id;
-          let mut user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-          user.password_encrypted = "".to_string();
-          user.private_key = None;
-          user.public_key = None;
-          Some(user)
-        }
-        Err(_e) => None,
-      },
-      None => None,
-    };
+    let my_user = get_user_from_jwt_opt(&data.auth, pool).await?.map(|mut u| {
+      u.password_encrypted = "".to_string();
+      u.private_key = None;
+      u.public_key = None;
+      u
+    });
 
     Ok(GetSiteResponse {
       site: site_view,
@@ -466,16 +441,8 @@ impl Perform for Oper<Search> {
       Err(e) => debug!("Failed to resolve search query as activitypub ID: {}", e),
     }
 
-    let user_id: Option<i32> = match &data.auth {
-      Some(auth) => match Claims::decode(&auth) {
-        Ok(claims) => {
-          let user_id = claims.claims.id;
-          Some(user_id)
-        }
-        Err(_e) => None,
-      },
-      None => None,
-    };
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt_opt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
+    let user_id = user.map(|u| u.id);
 
     let type_ = SearchType::from_str(&data.type_)?;
 
@@ -630,14 +597,8 @@ impl Perform for Oper<TransferSite> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetSiteResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &TransferSite = &self.data;
+    let mut user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-    let mut user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
     // TODO add a User_::read_safe() for this.
     user.password_encrypted = "".to_string();
     user.private_key = None;
@@ -646,7 +607,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<TransferSite> {
     let read_site = blocking(pool, move |conn| Site::read(conn, 1)).await??;
 
     // Make sure user is the creator
-    if read_site.creator_id != user_id {
+    if read_site.creator_id != user.id {
       return Err(APIError::err("not_an_admin").into());
     }
 
@@ -667,7 +628,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<TransferSite> {
 
     // Mod tables
     let form = ModAddForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       other_user_id: data.user_id,
       removed: Some(false),
     };
@@ -707,16 +668,10 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetSiteConfig> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetSiteConfigResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetSiteConfig = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Only let admins read this
-    is_admin(pool, user_id).await?;
+    is_admin(pool, user.id).await?;
 
     let config_hjson = Settings::read_config_file()?;
 
@@ -734,19 +689,13 @@ impl Perform for Oper<SaveSiteConfig> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetSiteConfigResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &SaveSiteConfig = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Only let admins read this
     let admins = blocking(pool, move |conn| UserView::admins(conn)).await??;
     let admin_ids: Vec<i32> = admins.into_iter().map(|m| m.id).collect();
 
-    if !admin_ids.contains(&user_id) {
+    if !admin_ids.contains(&user.id) {
       return Err(APIError::err("not_an_admin").into());
     }
 
diff --git a/server/src/api/user.rs b/server/src/api/user.rs
index f9a92cd3..d6746c1a 100644
--- a/server/src/api/user.rs
+++ b/server/src/api/user.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,14 @@
 use crate::{
-  api::{claims::Claims, is_admin, APIError, Oper, Perform},
+  api::{
+    check_slurs,
+    claims::Claims,
+    get_user_from_jwt,
+    get_user_from_jwt_opt,
+    is_admin,
+    APIError,
+    Oper,
+    Perform,
+  },
   apub::ApubObjectType,
   blocking,
   captcha_espeak_wav_base64,
@@ -47,8 +56,6 @@ use lemmy_utils::{
   remove_slurs,
   send_email,
   settings::Settings,
-  slur_check,
-  slurs_vec_to_str,
   EndpointType,
 };
 use log::error;
@@ -366,9 +373,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<Register> {
       };
     }
 
-    if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(&data.username) {
-      return Err(APIError::err(&slurs_vec_to_str(slurs)).into());
-    }
+    check_slurs(&data.username)?;
 
     // Make sure there are no admins
     let any_admins = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
@@ -543,14 +548,9 @@ impl Perform for Oper<SaveUserSettings> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<LoginResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &SaveUserSettings = &self.data;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let read_user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
 
     let email = match &data.email {
@@ -665,24 +665,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetUserDetails> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetUserDetailsResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetUserDetails = &self.data;
-
-    // For logged in users, you need to get back subscribed, and settings
-    let user: Option<User_> = match &data.auth {
-      Some(auth) => match Claims::decode(&auth) {
-        Ok(claims) => {
-          let user_id = claims.claims.id;
-          let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-          Some(user)
-        }
-        Err(_e) => None,
-      },
-      None => None,
-    };
-
-    let user_id = match &user {
-      Some(user) => Some(user.id),
-      None => None,
-    };
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt_opt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let show_nsfw = match &user {
       Some(user) => user.show_nsfw,
@@ -712,6 +695,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetUserDetails> {
     let limit = data.limit;
     let saved_only = data.saved_only;
     let community_id = data.community_id;
+    let user_id = user.map(|u| u.id);
     let (posts, comments) = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       let mut posts_query = PostQueryBuilder::create(conn)
         .sort(&sort)
@@ -780,16 +764,10 @@ impl Perform for Oper<AddAdmin> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<AddAdminResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &AddAdmin = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Make sure user is an admin
-    is_admin(pool, user_id).await?;
+    is_admin(pool, user.id).await?;
 
     let added = data.added;
     let added_user_id = data.user_id;
@@ -800,7 +778,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<AddAdmin> {
 
     // Mod tables
     let form = ModAddForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       other_user_id: data.user_id,
       removed: Some(!data.added),
     };
@@ -839,16 +817,10 @@ impl Perform for Oper<BanUser> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<BanUserResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &BanUser = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Make sure user is an admin
-    is_admin(pool, user_id).await?;
+    is_admin(pool, user.id).await?;
 
     let ban = data.ban;
     let banned_user_id = data.user_id;
@@ -864,7 +836,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<BanUser> {
     };
 
     let form = ModBanForm {
-      mod_user_id: user_id,
+      mod_user_id: user.id,
       other_user_id: data.user_id,
       reason: data.reason.to_owned(),
       banned: Some(data.ban),
@@ -903,19 +875,14 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetReplies> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetRepliesResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetReplies = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let sort = SortType::from_str(&data.sort)?;
 
     let page = data.page;
     let limit = data.limit;
     let unread_only = data.unread_only;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let replies = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       ReplyQueryBuilder::create(conn, user_id)
         .sort(&sort)
@@ -940,19 +907,14 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetUserMentions> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetUserMentionsResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetUserMentions = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let sort = SortType::from_str(&data.sort)?;
 
     let page = data.page;
     let limit = data.limit;
     let unread_only = data.unread_only;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let mentions = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       UserMentionQueryBuilder::create(conn, user_id)
         .sort(&sort)
@@ -977,19 +939,13 @@ impl Perform for Oper<MarkUserMentionAsRead> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<UserMentionResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &MarkUserMentionAsRead = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let user_mention_id = data.user_mention_id;
     let read_user_mention =
       blocking(pool, move |conn| UserMention::read(conn, user_mention_id)).await??;
 
-    if user_id != read_user_mention.recipient_id {
+    if user.id != read_user_mention.recipient_id {
       return Err(APIError::err("couldnt_update_comment").into());
     }
 
@@ -1001,6 +957,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<MarkUserMentionAsRead> {
     };
 
     let user_mention_id = read_user_mention.id;
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let user_mention_view = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       UserMentionView::read(conn, user_mention_id, user_id)
     })
@@ -1022,14 +979,9 @@ impl Perform for Oper<MarkAllAsRead> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<GetRepliesResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &MarkAllAsRead = &self.data;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let replies = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       ReplyQueryBuilder::create(conn, user_id)
         .unread_only(true)
@@ -1076,15 +1028,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<DeleteAccount> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<LoginResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &DeleteAccount = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Verify the password
     let valid: bool = verify(&data.password, &user.password_encrypted).unwrap_or(false);
@@ -1093,6 +1037,7 @@ impl Perform for Oper<DeleteAccount> {
     }
 
     // Comments
+    let user_id = user.id;
     let comments = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
       CommentQueryBuilder::create(conn)
         .for_creator_id(user_id)
@@ -1230,27 +1175,15 @@ impl Perform for Oper<CreatePrivateMessage> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PrivateMessageResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &CreatePrivateMessage = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     let hostname = &format!("https://{}", Settings::get().hostname);
 
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
-
     let content_slurs_removed = remove_slurs(&data.content.to_owned());
 
     let private_message_form = PrivateMessageForm {
       content: content_slurs_removed.to_owned(),
-      creator_id: user_id,
+      creator_id: user.id,
       recipient_id: data.recipient_id,
       deleted: None,
       read: None,
@@ -1341,25 +1274,13 @@ impl Perform for Oper<EditPrivateMessage> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PrivateMessageResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &EditPrivateMessage = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Checking permissions
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_private_message =
       blocking(pool, move |conn| PrivateMessage::read(conn, edit_id)).await??;
-    if user_id != orig_private_message.creator_id {
+    if user.id != orig_private_message.creator_id {
       return Err(APIError::err("no_private_message_edit_allowed").into());
     }
 
@@ -1409,25 +1330,13 @@ impl Perform for Oper<DeletePrivateMessage> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PrivateMessageResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &DeletePrivateMessage = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Checking permissions
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_private_message =
       blocking(pool, move |conn| PrivateMessage::read(conn, edit_id)).await??;
-    if user_id != orig_private_message.creator_id {
+    if user.id != orig_private_message.creator_id {
       return Err(APIError::err("no_private_message_edit_allowed").into());
     }
 
@@ -1483,25 +1392,13 @@ impl Perform for Oper<MarkPrivateMessageAsRead> {
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PrivateMessageResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &MarkPrivateMessageAsRead = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
-
-    // Check for a site ban
-    let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read(conn, user_id)).await??;
-    if user.banned {
-      return Err(APIError::err("site_ban").into());
-    }
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     // Checking permissions
     let edit_id = data.edit_id;
     let orig_private_message =
       blocking(pool, move |conn| PrivateMessage::read(conn, edit_id)).await??;
-    if user_id != orig_private_message.recipient_id {
+    if user.id != orig_private_message.recipient_id {
       return Err(APIError::err("couldnt_update_private_message").into());
     }
 
@@ -1548,13 +1445,8 @@ impl Perform for Oper<GetPrivateMessages> {
     _websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<PrivateMessagesResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &GetPrivateMessages = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
+    let user_id = user.id;
 
     let page = data.page;
     let limit = data.limit;
@@ -1578,24 +1470,21 @@ impl Perform for Oper<UserJoin> {
 
   async fn perform(
     &self,
-    _pool: &DbPool,
+    pool: &DbPool,
     websocket_info: Option<WebsocketInfo>,
   ) -> Result<UserJoinResponse, LemmyError> {
     let data: &UserJoin = &self.data;
-
-    let claims = match Claims::decode(&data.auth) {
-      Ok(claims) => claims.claims,
-      Err(_e) => return Err(APIError::err("not_logged_in").into()),
-    };
-
-    let user_id = claims.id;
+    let user = get_user_from_jwt(&data.auth, pool).await?;
 
     if let Some(ws) = websocket_info {
       if let Some(id) = ws.id {
-        ws.chatserver.do_send(JoinUserRoom { user_id, id });
+        ws.chatserver.do_send(JoinUserRoom {
+          user_id: user.id,
+          id,
+        });
       }
     }
 
-    Ok(UserJoinResponse { user_id })
+    Ok(UserJoinResponse { user_id: user.id })
   }
 }
diff --git a/server/src/apub/activities.rs b/server/src/apub/activities.rs
index 9fdfe37f..b5d6ce46 100644
--- a/server/src/apub/activities.rs
+++ b/server/src/apub/activities.rs
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 use crate::{
   apub::{
+    check_is_apub_id_valid,
     community::do_announce,
     extensions::signatures::sign,
     insert_activity,
-    is_apub_id_valid,
     ActorType,
   },
   request::retry_custom,
@@ -50,10 +50,7 @@ pub async fn send_activity(
 
   for t in to {
     let to_url = Url::parse(&t)?;
-    if !is_apub_id_valid(&to_url) {
-      debug!("Not sending activity to {} (invalid or blocklisted)", t);
-      continue;
-    }
+    check_is_apub_id_valid(&to_url)?;
 
     let res = retry_custom(|| async {
       let request = client.post(&t).header("Content-Type", "application/json");
diff --git a/server/src/apub/fetcher.rs b/server/src/apub/fetcher.rs
index 4425757d..919b0e88 100644
--- a/server/src/apub/fetcher.rs
+++ b/server/src/apub/fetcher.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use crate::{
   api::site::SearchResponse,
   apub::{
-    is_apub_id_valid,
+    check_is_apub_id_valid,
     ActorType,
     FromApub,
     GroupExt,
@@ -66,9 +66,7 @@ pub async fn fetch_remote_object<Response>(
 where
   Response: for<'de> Deserialize<'de>,
 {
-  if !is_apub_id_valid(&url) {
-    return Err(anyhow!("Activitypub uri invalid or blocked: {}", url).into());
-  }
+  check_is_apub_id_valid(&url)?;
 
   let timeout = Duration::from_secs(60);
 
diff --git a/server/src/apub/inbox/activities/create.rs b/server/src/apub/inbox/activities/create.rs
index f8a92c1c..ceeef0ef 100644
--- a/server/src/apub/inbox/activities/create.rs
+++ b/server/src/apub/inbox/activities/create.rs
@@ -39,7 +39,6 @@ pub async fn receive_create(
   chat_server: ChatServerParam,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
   let create = Create::from_any_base(activity)?.unwrap();
-  dbg!(create.object().as_single_kind_str());
   match create.object().as_single_kind_str() {
     Some("Page") => receive_create_post(create, client, pool, chat_server).await,
     Some("Note") => receive_create_comment(create, client, pool, chat_server).await,
diff --git a/server/src/apub/inbox/community_inbox.rs b/server/src/apub/inbox/community_inbox.rs
index 69dd2cdf..37e7c289 100644
--- a/server/src/apub/inbox/community_inbox.rs
+++ b/server/src/apub/inbox/community_inbox.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 use crate::{
   apub::{
+    check_is_apub_id_valid,
     extensions::signatures::verify,
-    fetcher::{get_or_fetch_and_upsert_community, get_or_fetch_and_upsert_user},
+    fetcher::get_or_fetch_and_upsert_user,
     insert_activity,
     ActorType,
   },
@@ -10,7 +11,8 @@ use crate::{
   LemmyError,
 };
 use activitystreams::{
-  activity::{Follow, Undo},
+  activity::{ActorAndObject, Follow, Undo},
+  base::AnyBase,
   prelude::*,
 };
 use actix_web::{client::Client, web, HttpRequest, HttpResponse};
@@ -21,37 +23,28 @@ use lemmy_db::{
   Followable,
 };
 use log::debug;
-use serde::Deserialize;
+use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::fmt::Debug;
 
-#[serde(untagged)]
-#[derive(Deserialize, Debug)]
-pub enum CommunityAcceptedObjects {
-  Follow(Follow),
-  Undo(Undo),
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Eq, Ord, PartialEq, PartialOrd, Deserialize, Serialize)]
+#[serde(rename_all = "PascalCase")]
+pub enum ValidTypes {
+  Follow,
+  Undo,
 }
 
-impl CommunityAcceptedObjects {
-  fn follow(&self) -> Result<Follow, LemmyError> {
-    match self {
-      CommunityAcceptedObjects::Follow(f) => Ok(f.to_owned()),
-      CommunityAcceptedObjects::Undo(u) => {
-        Ok(Follow::from_any_base(u.object().as_one().unwrap().to_owned())?.unwrap())
-      }
-    }
-  }
-}
+pub type AcceptedActivities = ActorAndObject<ValidTypes>;
 
 /// Handler for all incoming activities to community inboxes.
 pub async fn community_inbox(
   request: HttpRequest,
-  input: web::Json<CommunityAcceptedObjects>,
+  input: web::Json<AcceptedActivities>,
   path: web::Path<String>,
   db: DbPoolParam,
   client: web::Data<Client>,
   _chat_server: ChatServerParam,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
-  let input = input.into_inner();
+  let activity = input.into_inner();
 
   let path = path.into_inner();
   let community = blocking(&db, move |conn| Community::read_from_name(&conn, &path)).await??;
@@ -67,34 +60,35 @@ pub async fn community_inbox(
   }
   debug!(
     "Community {} received activity {:?}",
-    &community.name, &input
+    &community.name, &activity
   );
-  let follow = input.follow()?;
-  let user_uri = follow.actor()?.as_single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
-  let community_uri = follow.object().as_single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
+  let user_uri = activity.actor()?.as_single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
+  check_is_apub_id_valid(user_uri)?;
 
   let user = get_or_fetch_and_upsert_user(&user_uri, &client, &db).await?;
-  let community = get_or_fetch_and_upsert_community(community_uri, &client, &db).await?;
 
   verify(&request, &user)?;
 
-  match input {
-    CommunityAcceptedObjects::Follow(f) => handle_follow(f, user, community, &client, db).await,
-    CommunityAcceptedObjects::Undo(u) => handle_undo_follow(u, user, community, db).await,
+  insert_activity(user.id, activity.clone(), false, &db).await?;
+
+  let any_base = activity.clone().into_any_base()?;
+  let kind = activity.kind().unwrap();
+  match kind {
+    ValidTypes::Follow => handle_follow(any_base, user, community, &client, db).await,
+    ValidTypes::Undo => handle_undo_follow(any_base, user, community, db).await,
   }
 }
 
 /// Handle a follow request from a remote user, adding it to the local database and returning an
 /// Accept activity.
 async fn handle_follow(
-  follow: Follow,
+  activity: AnyBase,
   user: User_,
   community: Community,
   client: &Client,
   db: DbPoolParam,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
-  insert_activity(user.id, follow.clone(), false, &db).await?;
-
+  let follow = Follow::from_any_base(activity)?.unwrap();
   let community_follower_form = CommunityFollowerForm {
     community_id: community.id,
     user_id: user.id,
@@ -112,12 +106,12 @@ async fn handle_follow(
 }
 
 async fn handle_undo_follow(
-  undo: Undo,
+  activity: AnyBase,
   user: User_,
   community: Community,
   db: DbPoolParam,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
-  insert_activity(user.id, undo, false, &db).await?;
+  let _undo = Undo::from_any_base(activity)?.unwrap();
 
   let community_follower_form = CommunityFollowerForm {
     community_id: community.id,
diff --git a/server/src/apub/inbox/shared_inbox.rs b/server/src/apub/inbox/shared_inbox.rs
index 9e0cdb3d..db44a99d 100644
--- a/server/src/apub/inbox/shared_inbox.rs
+++ b/server/src/apub/inbox/shared_inbox.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 use crate::{
   apub::{
+    check_is_apub_id_valid,
     community::do_announce,
     extensions::signatures::verify,
     fetcher::{
@@ -32,11 +33,11 @@ use activitystreams::{
 use actix_web::{client::Client, web, HttpRequest, HttpResponse};
 use lemmy_db::user::User_;
 use log::debug;
-use serde::Serialize;
+use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::fmt::Debug;
 use url::Url;
 
-#[derive(Clone, Debug, Eq, Ord, PartialEq, PartialOrd, serde::Deserialize, serde::Serialize)]
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Eq, Ord, PartialEq, PartialOrd, Deserialize, Serialize)]
 #[serde(rename_all = "PascalCase")]
 pub enum ValidTypes {
   Create,
@@ -67,16 +68,19 @@ pub async fn shared_inbox(
   debug!("Shared inbox received activity: {}", json);
 
   let sender = &activity.actor()?.to_owned().single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
-
   // TODO: pass this actor in instead of using get_user_from_activity()
   let actor = get_or_fetch_and_upsert_actor(sender, &client, &pool).await?;
+
+  let community = get_community_id_from_activity(&activity).await;
+
+  check_is_apub_id_valid(sender)?;
+  check_is_apub_id_valid(&community)?;
   verify(&request, actor.as_ref())?;
 
   insert_activity(actor.user_id(), activity.clone(), false, &pool).await?;
 
   let any_base = activity.clone().into_any_base()?;
   let kind = activity.kind().unwrap();
-  dbg!(kind);
   match kind {
     ValidTypes::Announce => receive_announce(any_base, &client, &pool, chat_server).await,
     ValidTypes::Create => receive_create(any_base, &client, &pool, chat_server).await,
@@ -112,6 +116,15 @@ where
   get_or_fetch_and_upsert_user(&user_uri, client, pool).await
 }
 
+pub(in crate::apub::inbox) async fn get_community_id_from_activity<T, A>(activity: &T) -> Url
+where
+  T: AsBase<A> + ActorAndObjectRef + AsObject<A>,
+{
+  let cc = activity.cc().unwrap();
+  let cc = cc.as_many().unwrap();
+  cc.first().unwrap().as_xsd_any_uri().unwrap().to_owned()
+}
+
 pub(in crate::apub::inbox) async fn announce_if_community_is_local<T, Kind>(
   activity: T,
   user: &User_,
diff --git a/server/src/apub/inbox/user_inbox.rs b/server/src/apub/inbox/user_inbox.rs
index b46f6702..ea018f56 100644
--- a/server/src/apub/inbox/user_inbox.rs
+++ b/server/src/apub/inbox/user_inbox.rs
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 use crate::{
   api::user::PrivateMessageResponse,
   apub::{
+    check_is_apub_id_valid,
     extensions::signatures::verify,
-    fetcher::{get_or_fetch_and_upsert_community, get_or_fetch_and_upsert_user},
+    fetcher::{get_or_fetch_and_upsert_actor, get_or_fetch_and_upsert_community},
     insert_activity,
     FromApub,
   },
@@ -13,7 +14,8 @@ use crate::{
   LemmyError,
 };
 use activitystreams::{
-  activity::{Accept, Create, Delete, Undo, Update},
+  activity::{Accept, ActorAndObject, Create, Delete, Undo, Update},
+  base::AnyBase,
   object::Note,
   prelude::*,
 };
@@ -28,68 +30,76 @@ use lemmy_db::{
   Followable,
 };
 use log::debug;
-use serde::Deserialize;
+use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::fmt::Debug;
 
-#[serde(untagged)]
-#[derive(Deserialize, Debug)]
-pub enum UserAcceptedObjects {
-  Accept(Box<Accept>),
-  Create(Box<Create>),
-  Update(Box<Update>),
-  Delete(Box<Delete>),
-  Undo(Box<Undo>),
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Eq, Ord, PartialEq, PartialOrd, Deserialize, Serialize)]
+#[serde(rename_all = "PascalCase")]
+pub enum ValidTypes {
+  Accept,
+  Create,
+  Update,
+  Delete,
+  Undo,
 }
 
+pub type AcceptedActivities = ActorAndObject<ValidTypes>;
+
 /// Handler for all incoming activities to user inboxes.
 pub async fn user_inbox(
   request: HttpRequest,
-  input: web::Json<UserAcceptedObjects>,
+  input: web::Json<AcceptedActivities>,
   path: web::Path<String>,
   client: web::Data<Client>,
-  db: DbPoolParam,
+  pool: DbPoolParam,
   chat_server: ChatServerParam,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
-  // TODO: would be nice if we could do the signature check here, but we cant access the actor property
-  let input = input.into_inner();
+  let activity = input.into_inner();
   let username = path.into_inner();
-  debug!("User {} received activity: {:?}", &username, &input);
+  debug!("User {} received activity: {:?}", &username, &activity);
+
+  let actor_uri = activity.actor()?.as_single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
+
+  check_is_apub_id_valid(actor_uri)?;
+
+  let actor = get_or_fetch_and_upsert_actor(actor_uri, &client, &pool).await?;
+  verify(&request, actor.as_ref())?;
 
-  match input {
-    UserAcceptedObjects::Accept(a) => receive_accept(*a, &request, &username, &client, &db).await,
-    UserAcceptedObjects::Create(c) => {
-      receive_create_private_message(*c, &request, &client, &db, chat_server).await
+  insert_activity(actor.user_id(), activity.clone(), false, &pool).await?;
+
+  let any_base = activity.clone().into_any_base()?;
+  let kind = activity.kind().unwrap();
+  match kind {
+    ValidTypes::Accept => receive_accept(any_base, username, &client, &pool).await,
+    ValidTypes::Create => {
+      receive_create_private_message(any_base, &client, &pool, chat_server).await
     }
-    UserAcceptedObjects::Update(u) => {
-      receive_update_private_message(*u, &request, &client, &db, chat_server).await
+    ValidTypes::Update => {
+      receive_update_private_message(any_base, &client, &pool, chat_server).await
     }
-    UserAcceptedObjects::Delete(d) => {
-      receive_delete_private_message(*d, &request, &client, &db, chat_server).await
+    ValidTypes::Delete => {
+      receive_delete_private_message(any_base, &client, &pool, chat_server).await
     }
-    UserAcceptedObjects::Undo(u) => {
-      receive_undo_delete_private_message(*u, &request, &client, &db, chat_server).await
+    ValidTypes::Undo => {
+      receive_undo_delete_private_message(any_base, &client, &pool, chat_server).await
     }
   }
 }
 
 /// Handle accepted follows.
 async fn receive_accept(
-  accept: Accept,
-  request: &HttpRequest,
-  username: &str,
+  activity: AnyBase,
+  username: String,
   client: &Client,
   pool: &DbPool,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
+  let accept = Accept::from_any_base(activity)?.unwrap();
   let community_uri = accept.actor()?.to_owned().single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
 
   let community = get_or_fetch_and_upsert_community(&community_uri, client, pool).await?;
-  verify(request, &community)?;
 
-  let username = username.to_owned();
   let user = blocking(pool, move |conn| User_::read_from_name(conn, &username)).await??;
 
-  insert_activity(community.creator_id, accept, false, pool).await?;
-
   // Now you need to add this to the community follower
   let community_follower_form = CommunityFollowerForm {
     community_id: community.id,
@@ -107,20 +117,14 @@ async fn receive_accept(
 }
 
 async fn receive_create_private_message(
-  create: Create,
-  request: &HttpRequest,
+  activity: AnyBase,
   client: &Client,
   pool: &DbPool,
   chat_server: ChatServerParam,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
-  let user_uri = &create.actor()?.to_owned().single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
+  let create = Create::from_any_base(activity)?.unwrap();
   let note = Note::from_any_base(create.object().as_one().unwrap().to_owned())?.unwrap();
 
-  let user = get_or_fetch_and_upsert_user(user_uri, client, pool).await?;
-  verify(request, &user)?;
-
-  insert_activity(user.id, create, false, pool).await?;
-
   let private_message = PrivateMessageForm::from_apub(&note, client, pool).await?;
 
   let inserted_private_message = blocking(pool, move |conn| {
@@ -148,20 +152,14 @@ async fn receive_create_private_message(
 }
 
 async fn receive_update_private_message(
-  update: Update,
-  request: &HttpRequest,
+  activity: AnyBase,
   client: &Client,
   pool: &DbPool,
   chat_server: ChatServerParam,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
-  let user_uri = &update.actor()?.to_owned().single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
+  let update = Update::from_any_base(activity)?.unwrap();
   let note = Note::from_any_base(update.object().as_one().unwrap().to_owned())?.unwrap();
 
-  let user = get_or_fetch_and_upsert_user(&user_uri, client, pool).await?;
-  verify(request, &user)?;
-
-  insert_activity(user.id, update, false, pool).await?;
-
   let private_message_form = PrivateMessageForm::from_apub(&note, client, pool).await?;
 
   let private_message_ap_id = private_message_form.ap_id.clone();
@@ -197,20 +195,14 @@ async fn receive_update_private_message(
 }
 
 async fn receive_delete_private_message(
-  delete: Delete,
-  request: &HttpRequest,
+  activity: AnyBase,
   client: &Client,
   pool: &DbPool,
   chat_server: ChatServerParam,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
-  let user_uri = &delete.actor()?.to_owned().single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
+  let delete = Delete::from_any_base(activity)?.unwrap();
   let note = Note::from_any_base(delete.object().as_one().unwrap().to_owned())?.unwrap();
 
-  let user = get_or_fetch_and_upsert_user(&user_uri, client, pool).await?;
-  verify(request, &user)?;
-
-  insert_activity(user.id, delete, false, pool).await?;
-
   let private_message_form = PrivateMessageForm::from_apub(&note, client, pool).await?;
 
   let private_message_ap_id = private_message_form.ap_id;
@@ -258,20 +250,14 @@ async fn receive_delete_private_message(
 }
 
 async fn receive_undo_delete_private_message(
-  undo: Undo,
-  request: &HttpRequest,
+  activity: AnyBase,
   client: &Client,
   pool: &DbPool,
   chat_server: ChatServerParam,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, LemmyError> {
+  let undo = Undo::from_any_base(activity)?.unwrap();
   let delete = Delete::from_any_base(undo.object().as_one().unwrap().to_owned())?.unwrap();
   let note = Note::from_any_base(delete.object().as_one().unwrap().to_owned())?.unwrap();
-  let user_uri = &delete.actor()?.to_owned().single_xsd_any_uri().unwrap();
-
-  let user = get_or_fetch_and_upsert_user(&user_uri, client, pool).await?;
-  verify(request, &user)?;
-
-  insert_activity(user.id, delete, false, pool).await?;
 
   let private_message = PrivateMessageForm::from_apub(&note, client, pool).await?;
 
diff --git a/server/src/apub/mod.rs b/server/src/apub/mod.rs
index e86032f6..7f39afc7 100644
--- a/server/src/apub/mod.rs
+++ b/server/src/apub/mod.rs
@@ -63,33 +63,34 @@ where
 }
 
 // Checks if the ID has a valid format, correct scheme, and is in the allowed instance list.
-fn is_apub_id_valid(apub_id: &Url) -> bool {
-  debug!("Checking {}", apub_id);
+fn check_is_apub_id_valid(apub_id: &Url) -> Result<(), LemmyError> {
   if apub_id.scheme() != get_apub_protocol_string() {
-    debug!("invalid scheme: {:?}", apub_id.scheme());
-    return false;
+    return Err(anyhow!("invalid apub id scheme: {:?}", apub_id.scheme()).into());
   }
 
-  let allowed_instances: Vec<String> = Settings::get()
+  let mut allowed_instances: Vec<String> = Settings::get()
     .federation
     .allowed_instances
     .split(',')
     .map(|d| d.to_string())
     .collect();
+  // need to allow this explicitly because apub activities might contain objects from our local
+  // instance. replace is needed to remove the port in our federation test setup.
+  let settings = Settings::get();
+  let local_instance = settings.hostname.split(':').collect::<Vec<&str>>();
+  allowed_instances.push(local_instance.first().unwrap().to_string());
+
   match apub_id.domain() {
     Some(d) => {
       let contains = allowed_instances.contains(&d.to_owned());
 
       if !contains {
-        debug!("{} not in {:?}", d, allowed_instances);
+        return Err(anyhow!("{} not in federation allowlist", d).into());
       }
 
-      contains
-    }
-    None => {
-      debug!("missing domain");
-      false
+      Ok(())
     }
+    None => Err(anyhow!("federation allowlist is empty").into()),
   }
 }
 
-- 
2.44.1