The Guardian exits X, citing toxic environment

But X users will still be able to share articles

Leading British news organisation The Guardian has announced that it will cease posting on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, from its official accounts.

The organisation voiced concerns regarding content moderation on the platform and what it described as a "toxic" environment under the leadership of X's owner, Elon Musk.

It explained that the platform, which Musk acquired for $44 billion in 2022, no longer aligns with the news organisation's values or audience engagement goals.

"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.

"We think that the benefits of being on X are now outweighed by the negatives and that resources could be better used promoting our journalism elsewhere."

"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."

The Guardian noted that X's handling of the 2024 US presidential election coverage was the tipping point for this decision.

The news organisation has maintained a substantial presence on the platform, operating more than 80 accounts and engaging with approximately 27 million followers.

Despite the exit, The Guardian confirmed that users on X would still be able to share its articles, and the news outlet will occasionally embed X posts for live news reporting.

Reporters will also retain access to the platform for journalistic purposes, following existing social media guidelines, although many journalists from The Guardian and other media groups are popping up on BlueSky.

Individual Guardian journalists may continue using X without additional restrictions, underscoring that the change applies only to official editorial accounts.

The organisation expressed confidence that its own website, theguardian.com, would remain the primary hub for readers.

Elon Musk responded to the announcement by posting on X, labelling The Guardian as "irrelevant" and a "laboriously vile propaganda machine."

Musk has often defended his hands-off approach to content moderation, citing a commitment to free speech. However, critics argue that this approach has allowed the platform to become a haven for extremism and disinformation.

A recent investigation by The New York Times revealed that many conspiracy theorists have benefited from Musk's engagement with their posts, suggesting that he plays a significant role in shaping the platform's content.

The Guardian's move follows a series of high-profile departures from X, including National Public Radio (NPR), PBS and the Berlin Film Festival. Each of these organisations has expressed similar concerns about the platform's declining standards and its potential to amplify harmful content.

Last month, a survey of British police forces conducted by Reuters found that many are actively reviewing their social media strategies, with several cutting back their X presence. Some forces have even abandoned the platform entirely.

North Wales Police, serving nearly 700,000 residents, was one of the first to withdraw from X.

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has also announced his departure from X. Lemon, who had previously partnered with Musk for an interview, stated that the platform no longer aligns with his values and that it has failed to live up to its promise of fostering open and honest dialogue.