Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Roberto Burioni Leaves Major Social Platforms, Moves Outreach to Paid Substack

He aims to regain control over access to his science posts, including their reuse.

Overview

  • The Italian virologist announced on Oct. 29 that future written science communication will shift to Substack behind a paywall instead of being posted freely on Facebook or X.
  • He cited years of insults and threats that also reached his family as a primary reason to step back from open social channels.
  • He also objected to opaque algorithmic distribution of his posts and to artificial intelligence systems training on his freely shared work without compensation.
  • Access will cost under €2 per month with a credit card required, a low fee intended to deter abusive accounts and cover transaction costs.
  • He set a six-month trial with a minimum-subscriber target and said he will close the Substack before summer if it is not met, while continuing television outreach on Che Tempo Che Fa.