Tue Nov 12 12:38:42 UTC 2024: ## French Media Giants Sue X Over Unpaid Content Distribution Fees

**Paris, France:** Several leading French newspapers, including Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Les Echos, have filed a lawsuit against X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, alleging the company has not paid for the use of their content.

The action, filed on Tuesday, comes after X reportedly refused to negotiate payments for ancillary rights, which are owed to news publishers under European law when their content is republished on social media platforms. The newspapers claim X has ignored both their requests for negotiations and a May court order to release information needed to calculate the owed amount.

“The revenue from these rights is a boost to the plurality, independence, and quality of the media,” the newspapers stated, emphasizing the crucial role of a free press in a democratic society.

This lawsuit follows a similar action filed by the AFP news agency in August. The AFP, expressing concern about X’s refusal to engage in discussions about neighbouring rights, aims to ensure fair compensation for their content shared on the platform.

X, owned by Elon Musk, has yet to comment on the lawsuits. However, the platform previously negotiated with Google and Meta Platforms regarding content payments.

A hearing for the case is scheduled for May 15. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how social media platforms engage with news publishers regarding content compensation across Europe.

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