Overview

• More than 60 German universities and research institutions have announced their withdrawal from X, formerly Twitter, due to its perceived incompatibility with values like transparency, scientific integrity, and democratic discourse.
• The decision follows growing dissatisfaction with X's algorithm, which critics claim amplifies right-wing populist content and suppresses diverse viewpoints.
• Elon Musk's recent live discussion with AfD leader Alice Weidel, seen as endorsing the far-right party, has intensified concerns about the platform's political influence ahead of Germany's February elections.
• The joint withdrawal aims to promote fact-based communication and reject platforms fostering hate speech, disinformation, and anti-democratic narratives.
• Despite leaving X, institutions plan to maintain communication through other channels like LinkedIn and Instagram, though some are questioning the broader role of social media in academic outreach.