Both La Vanguardia and The Guardian's decisions reflect a growing concern among media outlets regarding the integrity of information shared on social media platforms.
The influence of Elon Musk on X has raised alarms about the platform's role in shaping political narratives, particularly during significant events like elections.
The trend of media outlets withdrawing from X may signal a larger shift in how traditional journalism interacts with social media.
As more media outlets reconsider their presence on X, the platform may face increased scrutiny and potential decline in credibility as a news source.
The ongoing legal battles between European media and X over copyright issues may lead to changes in how content is shared and monetized on social media platforms.
The withdrawal of major newspapers could prompt X to implement new policies to address concerns about disinformation and user safety.
La Vanguardia and The Guardian Cease Publication on X Due to Disinformation Concerns
In a significant move against the spread of disinformation, the Spanish daily La Vanguardia announced on November 14, 2024, that it will no longer publish content on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter. This decision follows a similar announcement by the British daily The Guardian, which declared its withdrawal from the platform just a day earlier. Both newspapers cited the proliferation of toxic content and disinformation as primary reasons for their departure from X.
La Vanguardia criticized X for becoming a
stating that the platform has been filled with conspiracy theories and messages that violate human rights since Elon Musk's acquisition. The editorial highlighted the role of bots in spreading misinformation, particularly during recent tragic events in Spain, and expressed concern over the platform's impact on public discourse, especially in light of the recent U.S. presidential elections.
The Guardian echoed these sentiments, stating that the disadvantages of being on X now outweigh the benefits. The newspaper has been contemplating this decision for some time, particularly due to the disturbing content that has gained traction on the platform, including racism and far-right theories. The election of Donald Trump, who has received support from Musk, further accelerated their decision to withdraw, as the Guardian noted Musk's influence in shaping political discourse on X.
Despite their withdrawal, both newspapers will continue to monitor X for relevant discussions and may still reference the platform in their articles. The Guardian clarified that while it will not share its articles on X, users can still share Guardian content on the platform.
