The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has announced that it will cease posting on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, effective January 20th, 2025. This decision comes as the platform's owner, Elon Musk, has transformed it into a "machine of disinformation and propaganda," according to the EFJ. The federation represents over 250,000 journalists from 44 countries and has expressed concerns about the platform's impact on democracy and freedom of expression.
The EFJ's decision is not isolated, as several media outlets, including The Guardian, Dagens Nyheter, La Vanguardia, Ouest-France, and Sud_Ouest, have also quit using X due to concerns over Elon Musk's influence on the platform. The EFJ has stated that X has become a hub for conspiracy theories, racism, far-right ideas, and misogynistic rhetoric, no longer serving the public interest but rather the special interests of its owner and his allies.
EFJ President Maja Sever emphasized that the platform's evolution under Elon Musk's ownership is contrary to the federation's humanist values, commitment to press freedom, and media pluralism. The decision to suspend the EFJ's account on X was seen as a necessary step, and the federation has invited its members and other organizations defending freedom of expression to migrate to alternative platforms.
The EFJ's move is seen as a significant step in response to the changing landscape of social media and its impact on journalism. With over 250,000 journalists represented, the federation's decision is likely to have a notable impact on the platform and may influence other organizations to reevaluate their social media presence.
The decision to suspend X usage comes as Elon Musk's ownership of the platform has raised concerns about its role in spreading disinformation and propaganda. The EFJ has taken a strong stance against these developments, emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy and freedom of expression.
The EFJ's announcement has been reported by various news outlets, including Addis Walta, which has provided coverage of the story. The federation's decision is a significant development in the ongoing debate about social media's role in shaping public discourse and the responsibilities of platform owners.
As the EFJ prepares to suspend its X account, it will be interesting to see how the platform evolves under Elon Musk's ownership and how other organizations respond to similar concerns about disinformation and propaganda. The EFJ's move is a clear indication that the organization prioritizes its values and commitment to press freedom and media pluralism.
Key points
- European Federation of Journalists to stop posting on X due to concerns over disinformation and propaganda.
- EFJ cites Elon Musk's ownership and influence on the platform as a threat to democracy and freedom of expression.
- Several media outlets have also quit using X due to concerns over Elon Musk's impact on the platform.
