The Guardian Steps Back from Elon Musk’s Platform X Amid Content Concerns

[Social Media]

 

The Guardian has announced its decision to stop posting from its official accounts on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, citing increasing concerns over the platform’s content. Formerly known as Twitter, the platform’s environment and approach to content moderation, particularly during the US election cycle, prompted the news organization to reconsider its engagement. The Guardian stated that “the benefits of being on the platform formerly called Twitter were now outweighed by the negatives,” explaining that the platform now hosts “often disturbing content.”

 

In a message to readers, the Guardian announced, “We wanted to let readers know that we will no longer post on any official Guardian editorial accounts on the social media site X.” The Guardian had previously operated over 80 accounts on X, collectively followed by around 27 million users.

 

Concerns over “far-right conspiracy theories and racism” have long troubled the Guardian regarding X, but the platform's handling of the US presidential election campaign brought their misgivings to a head. “This is something we have been considering for a while given the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism,” the Guardian said, adding that “the US presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, has been able to use its influence to shape political discourse.”

 

The platform and Musk, who acquired it for $44 billion in 2022, have faced criticisms from anti-hate speech organizations and the EU over content moderation issues. A self-described “free speech absolutist,” Musk has allowed previously banned figures, such as conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, influencer Andrew Tate, and British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, to rejoin the platform.

 

The Guardian clarified that readers could still share its articles on X, and the platform would occasionally feature in its live news coverage. Reporters would also continue to use X for news gathering, although official Guardian editorial accounts would be absent. Individual journalists, meanwhile, will be able to use X according to the outlet’s social media guidelines. The Guardian explained, “Social media can be an important tool for news organizations and help us to reach new audiences, but at this point X now plays a diminished role in promoting our work. Our journalism is available and open to all on our website and we would prefer people to come to theguardian.com and support our work there.”

 

Responding to the news, Musk labeled the Guardian “irrelevant” and a “laboriously vile propaganda machine,” adding a touch of his characteristic, outspoken criticism to the ongoing public debate over his platform's direction and standards.

 

Based on a report by The Guardian 2024-11-15

 

 

 

[DPat]

They'll be back, prob within the year. not that Elon or anyone with half a brain would care. no one benefits from having Guardian readers in their lives

[pattayasan]

2 hours ago, DPat said:

They'll be back, prob within the year. not that Elon or anyone with half a brain would care. no one benefits from having Guardian readers in their lives

 

Doubtful. The Guardian is a serious publication.

[mdr224]

3 minutes ago, pattayasan said:

 

Doubtful. The Guardian is a serious publication.

Seriously corrupt

[Cryingdick]

Well if nothing else Musk still has his day job at Tesla to fall back upon along with being the richest man in the world and the most powerful private citizen on the planet. 

[NedR69]

WFC?  It's just another libtard bs outlet.

[Cryingdick]

6 minutes ago, NedR69 said:

WFC?  It's just another libtard bs outlet.

Isn't X at this point a bigger more influential newsmaker than the guardian is anyway? They are on his platform he isn't on theirs. Although they will have to talk about him to sell news.

[Dave0206]

A bit rich to call it a propaganda machine whilst hosting Alex Jones

[norfolkandchance]

The usual suspect will be along shortly.

[Yagoda]

1 hour ago, mdr224 said:

Seriously corrupt

Great sports section