French newspaper Le Monde has announced it will stop publishing content on X, citing the "intensified activism" of the platform's owner, Elon Musk, and the "increasing toxicity" of interactions. As reported by Digi24, the publication believes Musk has turned X into an extension of his political agenda.
Concerns Over Platform Direction
In an editorial, Le Monde director Jérome Fenoglio stated that Musk, a known ally of Donald Trump, has transformed X into a tool for promoting "libertarianism increasingly aligned with the far right" and exerting pressure on competitors and European governments.
Fenoglio argued that the newspaper’s presence on the platform offers little value compared to the growing negative impacts. As a result, Le Monde will halt content sharing on X, maintaining this stance as long as the platform continues operating in its current form.
Scrutiny of Other Platforms
The editorial also indicated that Le Monde will closely monitor other social media platforms, including TikTok and Meta, following recent "concerning statements" by Mark Zuckerberg, who has been increasingly aligned with the newly inaugurated U.S. President.
A Broader Media Trend
Le Monde is not the first media outlet to leave X. Other French publications, including Ouest France, Sud Ouest, and Mediapart, as well as international outlets like The Guardian and La Vanguardia, have already withdrawn from the platform in recent months.
Fenoglio expressed hope that the European Union will uphold its vision of a regulated public debate that respects participants, disseminates credible information, and fosters informed opinions.
