The Guardian has decided to stop posting on X, citing a surge in “far-right conspiracy theories and racism” that it believes now dominate the platform.
In a statement on Wednesday, the British newspaper announced it would archive all its editorial accounts on X, claiming the platform no longer aligns with its values. The decision was influenced by Elon Musk’s ownership and recent U.S. election developments, with the Guardian arguing X now has a “toxic” impact on political discourse.
Why the Guardian is no longer posting on X https://t.co/j4fRgzSYde
— The Guardian (@guardian) November 13, 2024
While official accounts will be inactive, Guardian journalists can still use X for news gathering, though the paper hinted it might discourage even personal content-sharing by its staff. Interestingly, the Guardian will continue to reference X in its reporting when relevant, due to the nature of live news.
Despite its nearly 11 million followers on X, the newspaper faced low engagement rates and ridicule from users after its decision to leave was made public. Some critics noted that the Guardian’s stance seemed hypocritical, given its past stance on free speech and its selective moderation of comments on its own site.
The Guardian claims that its financial model doesn’t rely on social media algorithms, boasting a reader-supported revenue stream. However, the paper has also received millions in funding from influential donors, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has contributed close to $13 million.
