The decision by Ouest-France marks a significant shift in how traditional media interact with social networks, reflecting growing frustration over the influence of social media on public discourse and the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in such environments.
This move may set a precedent for other media organizations in France and beyond, as they reassess their presence on platforms perceived to prioritize profit over responsible content management.
As more media outlets reconsider their engagement with social networks like X, there may be a broader movement towards creating independent platforms that prioritize journalistic standards and user safety.
The ongoing changes in social media policies could lead to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, prompting potential reforms in how these platforms operate.
Ouest-France, the largest regional daily in France, has announced it will cease all publications on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), citing concerns over the platform's management under Elon Musk. This decision, described as 'definitive,' follows similar moves by other international media outlets, including The Guardian and La Vanguardia, which also suspended their activities on X due to issues related to disinformation and online harassment.
François-Xavier Lefranc, chairman of the board of Ouest-France, emphasized that the decision was made unanimously within the organization and reflects a broader concern about the platform's evolving policies, particularly the changes to the verification system and the conditions for blocking users. He stated, 'The rules of the game are now biased,' highlighting that media outlets that do not pay for visibility are at a disadvantage compared to those that do, regardless of the quality of their content.
The regional daily had already reduced its activity on X significantly since October 2023, limiting its posts to verified articles. While journalists at Ouest-France are still permitted to share their work on their personal accounts, the official media accounts will no longer engage with the platform.
