Fri Nov 15 17:10:39 UTC 2024: ## Major News Outlets Abandon X Amidst Disinformation Concerns and Trump’s Win

**London/Stockholm/Madrid** – A growing number of major international news organizations are abandoning X (formerly Twitter), citing concerns about the platform’s role in spreading disinformation under the ownership of Elon Musk, a key ally of newly elected President Donald Trump.

The exodus began earlier this week with the Guardian, a British centre-left daily, declaring the platform “toxic” and ceasing all official content posting. Spain’s La Vanguardia followed suit, stating a preference for losing subscribers rather than remaining on a network they see as a breeding ground for misinformation. On Friday, Sweden’s influential Dagens Nyheter became the latest major news outlet to depart, citing an “extreme climate” fostered by the platform’s current management.

These actions reflect a growing unease among media outlets about X’s trajectory since Musk’s acquisition. Editors-in-chief express concern over the platform’s increasing alignment with the political ambitions of Musk and Trump, and the subsequent reduction in content moderation. The situation has been exacerbated by Trump’s recent election victory, actively supported by Musk.

While X boasts hundreds of millions of users, several experts suggest the impact of these withdrawals on news organizations will be limited. A recent study by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism found the departure of NPR from X had a negligible effect on traffic. Nevertheless, news outlets acknowledge potential subscriber losses, as readers often discover stories through social media.

The shift marks a dramatic reversal from the early days of Twitter, when media organizations enthusiastically embraced the platform to engage audiences and experts. Some commentators argue that the media’s over-reliance on X for interaction has contributed to this current predicament.

The departures have sparked a debate about the future of social media and the role of regulation in combating misinformation. While alternatives like Bluesky are gaining traction, experts emphasize the lack of a comprehensive replacement for X’s current reach and functionality. Reporters Without Borders highlights this as a symptom of broader democratic failures to regulate online platforms effectively. The situation underscores a deeper crisis of misinformation and the complex relationship between media organizations and social media platforms.

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