Sud Ouest Group Suspends Presence on Social Network X
The Sud Ouest group has announced its decision to suspend its presence on the social network X (formerly Twitter), following similar actions taken by Ouest-France and several other European media outlets. This announcement was made on Thursday by CEO Nicolas Sterckx, who stated that the group's content would no longer be shared on the platform until there are serious guarantees to combat disinformation and promote balanced debates. The decision reflects growing concerns over the lack of moderation on X, which has been criticized for its handling of misinformation and user interactions.
Concerns Over Moderation and Disinformation
In the press release, Sterckx highlighted that the past year has seen a deterioration in moderation practices on X, citing issues such as the limitation of media account publications, changes to blocking conditions, and the removal of certification stickers in favor of promoting paid accounts. These changes have raised alarms among media organizations about the platform's ability to provide a safe and reliable space for information sharing.
Individual Journalist Choices
Despite the group's suspension, Sterckx clarified that individual journalists within the Sud Ouest group would have the option to maintain their presence on X, provided they adhere to the ethical standards of their respective publications. This move aligns with the recent decision by Ouest-France to cease its activity on the platform unless it transforms into a more regulated and respectful environment. The actions of these French media outlets come in the wake of similar decisions by international publications, including The Guardian, La Vanguardia, and Dagens Nyheter, all of which have expressed concerns about X's ability to manage misinformation effectively.
