the essential
Suspicions of spreading false information, manipulating public debate and being a source of division, the social network
For several days, many players have made a radical decision: abandon X (formerly Twitter). Criticizing the “drifts” attributed to the platform, owned by billionaire Elon Musk since 2022, nineteen deputies from the New Popular Front announced that they will leave the social network this Monday, January 20. Communities are following the movement, like the Gers departmental council, recognized for its digital dynamism.
The official announcement came this Sunday. By decision of the President of the Department, Philippe Dupouy, the accounts of the Department and of the elected representatives of the departmental majority present in X will be inactive as of January 20. “This choice stems from our disavowal of the recent developments of the platform under the direction of its new owner, Elon Musk. Symbolically, I have decided that this withdrawal will take effect on the day of Donald Trump's inauguration,” explains Philippe Dupouy.
Also read:
INTERVIEW. Sandrine Rousseau: “It costs me”… The MP explains why she calls on many elected officials to leave the social network
However, the Department is committed to informing Gers residents via other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Furthermore, the community integrates “Bluesky”, the alternative social network to X designed by Jack Dorsey, co-creator of Twitter.
-“We believe that freedom of expression must not be used to normalize far-right discourse nor allow individuals with anti-democratic positions to redefine the norms of public discussion,” continues Philippe Dupouy.
Other communities, such as the Grand Est region, Côtes-d'Armor or even Loire-Atlantique, have also opted for leaving the network. Several media and academic research establishments have also made the same choice.
