Germany considers quitting X over concerns on algorithms

• Published On: 12 January 2025 at 04:37

The German government is considering removing its presence from the X platform due to concerns about its algorithms, a spokesperson confirmed on Friday.

"This is a permanent consideration that we have to make again and again," the spokesperson said, following a live conversation on the platform between billionaire Elon Musk and Alice Weidel, leader of Germany's far-right AfD.

The spokesperson criticised X and other social media platforms' algorithms, claiming that they promote "agitated and polarising" discourse rather than "calm, objective, and balanced" discussions. However, the government has decided to continue using the platform for the time being, citing its large audience reach.

Musk has become more vocal about his support for far-right and anti-establishment parties across Europe, including ahead of Germany's February 23 election. His support for such movements has sparked protests from German institutions, including unions and universities, some of which have abandoned his platform.

Musk reaffirmed his support for the AfD during a live X talk on Thursday. The party, which is anti-immigrant and anti-Islamic, is classified as right-wing extremist by German security agencies. His stance towards the AfD has raised concerns in Berlin.

The government spokesperson emphasised that the concerns about X were not related to Musk's political involvement in Germany, and that it would be up to Brussels to determine whether X is complying with European laws, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.