The Guardian has announced it will no longer post content on X, Elon Musk’s social media platform formerly known as Twitter, citing “toxic” content and the platform’s influence on political discourse.
In a message to readers, the British newspaper group explained that it has “longstanding concerns” about disturbing content on X, including far-right conspiracy theories and hate speech.
The recent U.S. election, the Guardian said, “crystallised” its decision, as Musk’s open support for Donald Trump highlighted the platform’s role in shaping political dialogue.
The Guardian has over 80 accounts on X, reaching around 27 million followers.
“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 said.
“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,” it said.
“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.”
In response, Musk dismissed the Guardian as “irrelevant” and “propaganda.”
They are a laboriously vile propaganda machine
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2024
