Brussels (Brussels Morning) – The European Federation of Journalists is quitting X, accusing the platform for its role in spreading misinformation under Elon Musk’s ownership. As Trump takes office and Musk joins his administration, the EFJ calls for a mass exodus to ethical alternatives. But not all are leaving—some journalists vow to stay and fight the misinformation battle from within. Is X’s downfall inevitable?
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), representing over 320,000 members across 44 countries, has announced its decision to cease posting on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) starting January 20, 2025. This move aligned with the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States and his appointment of Musk to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The EFJ cites ethical concerns over the platform’s transformation under Elon Musk’s ownership, emphasizing that X has recently become a conduit for misinformation through numerous actions like downranking news links, ending free verification, and changing its algorithm to push right-wing content.
This decision is a turning point in the ongoing discussion regarding how social media platforms influence public opinion and the obligations of tech companies to counter false information.
Is X rapidly declining?
Under Musk’s leadership, X has faced significant backlash for its role in amplifying extremist content and conspiracy theories. Recently, many organisations like the German Journalists’ Association, as well as media outlets like The Guardian have opted to stop engaging on X.
Similarly, the IFJ ceased sharing any content on X, contending that the platform no longer aligns with journalistic values. “We cannot continue to participate in a social network that its owner has turned into a machine of disinformation and propaganda” they stated. Although inactive, their profile on X still exists, simply redirecting any visitors to other social media platforms like Bluesky or Instagram.
Misinformation or a threat to Journalism?
The EFJ urged its members and other organizations committed to freedom of expression to explore alternative platforms that uphold ethical standards and support media pluralism.
We cannot continue to participate in feeding the social network of a man who proclaims the death of the media and therefore of journalists,
noted EFJ President Maja Sever. “The social media site X has become the preferred vector for conspiracy theories, racism, far-right ideas and misogynistic rhetoric. X is a platform that no longer serves the public interest at all, but the particular ideological and financial interests of its owner and his political allies.”
The editorial evolution of X, since its acquisition by Elon Musk, is simply in contradiction with our humanist values, our commitment to press freedom and media pluralism, and our fight against all forms of hatred and discrimination. The decision to suspend our @EFJEUROPE account seemed obvious to us, and we invite our affiliates and all organisations that defend freedom of expression to migrate to other platforms,
wrote EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutiérrez.
IFJ’s perspective: A different approach
On the other hand, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has adopted a markedly different stance, opting to remain on X. Rather than disengaging, the IFJ believes that staying on the platform is essential to supporting its followers and actively combating the spread of misinformation.
As stated on its official website,
by remaining on X and the other major platforms, the IFJ can continue to denounce abuses, promote ethical practices and strengthen the voice of journalists in the face of attempts at manipulation.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ’s General Secretary, reinforced this position, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to defending journalistic integrity both online and offline.
The IFJ Global Executive Committee decided to stay both on X and META. The IFJ does not wish to leave these spaces to disinformation. We go out into the real and virtual world to defend freedom of information and good, verified and fair information, because we have more than 71,000 followers
he said.
