Le Monde Withdraws from X Over Musk’s ‘Political Activism’ and Toxicity

Paris, France – French newspaper Le Monde has announced its decision to cease sharing content on X, formerly known as Twitter, citing concerns over the platform’s growing political bias under Elon Musk’s ownership and the increasing toxicity of online discourse.

In an editorial statement, Le Monde’s editorial director Jérôme Fenoglio outlined the reasons for the move, stating that X has shifted from being a neutral social network focused on news to an extension of Musk’s political activism.

“As a social network specifically focused on news, Twitter, renamed X, has always been a major player in this battle between facts and lies,” Fenoglio said. “Since Musk took over the company in 2022, the platform has become an extension of his political action.”

Tensions Between Media and X

The decision by Le Monde follows a broader trend of increasing friction between traditional media outlets and X. Since Musk’s acquisition of the platform, multiple news organizations have raised concerns about algorithmic changes that have deprioritized reputable journalism while amplifying partisan content and misinformation.

Fenoglio emphasized that Le Monde’s presence on the platform had already been reduced due to a “mixture of ideology and commerce,” making their content “more and more invisible.” This led the newspaper to scale back its engagement to an automated news feed before ultimately deciding to withdraw entirely.

The French publication also expressed concerns about the escalating toxicity of discussions on X, stating that Musk’s official alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s political movement has exacerbated the problem.

“But today, the intensification of Musk’s activism, the officialization of his role within the Trumpist power apparatus, the growing toxicity of the exchanges, lead us to believe that the usefulness of our presence weighs less than the many side effects we suffer,” Fenoglio explained.

A Call for Journalists to Follow Suit

As part of its disengagement, Le Monde is also encouraging its journalists to stop using X for professional purposes, signaling a broader move away from the platform within French media circles.

Fenoglio’s statement warned that while X remains a significant platform, the risks associated with continuing to engage outweigh any potential benefits.

Beyond X, Le Monde also announced plans to increase its scrutiny of other social media networks, particularly TikTok and Meta-owned platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Fenoglio referenced recent statements by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which he described as “worrying,” suggesting that the company might also be shifting in a politically concerning direction.

A Broader Trend of Media Disengagement?

Le Monde’s departure from X follows similar actions taken by other major media outlets globally. The BBC, NPR, and CBC previously reduced their presence on the platform due to concerns about misinformation, content moderation, and ideological bias.

While Musk has championed X as a bastion of free speech, critics argue that his ownership has led to an increase in far-right content and diminished visibility for mainstream news sources. The ongoing friction between Musk and traditional media organizations suggests that Le Monde’s exit may not be the last.

As social media landscapes continue to evolve, the battle over the dissemination of news remains at the forefront of global discourse. Whether Le Monde’s decision will inspire other news organizations to follow suit remains to be seen.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members