Berlin
More than 60 German universities and higher education institutions have announced they are leaving social media platform X, saying it does not support values such as diversity, freedom and scholarship.
In a joint statement, the universities condemned platforms that amplify far-right populist content as “unacceptable.”
“This decision sends a clear signal in favor of fact-based communication and against anti-democratic forces,” the statement said.
Achim Zohlke, a spokesperson for the Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, which led the campaign, said more universities are joining the movement every hour.
Silke Engel, a spokeswoman for the University of Potsdam, highlighted recent changes in the platform’s operation and functionality and criticized its algorithms for hindering the dissemination of information and steering the debate.
Engel also accused the lack of oversight disguised as free speech of encouraging hate speech, disinformation and manipulation.
Universities retiring from X include Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Freie-Universität Berlin, Humboldt University, Heidelberg University, University of Münster, RWTH Aachen University, German Sport University Cologne, and European University Viadrina Frankfurt University (Oder). Included.
The move comes after Musk’s vocal support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party weeks before next month’s German general election, which has sparked criticism from Germany’s leadership and accusations of election interference. It was held while the guests were invited.
The platform has seen a massive exodus of users since Musk took over and largely lifted restrictions on misinformation and hate speech.
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