More than 55 German universities and unions leave X over disinformation concerns

More than 55 universities and research institutes across Germany have announced their decision to discontinue posting content on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, citing growing concerns over the platform’s role in fostering hate speech, disinformation, and manipulation.

In a statement reported by public broadcaster RBB, the Federal Association of University Communication condemned the platform, stating, “The conditions for an open exchange no longer exist. The door has been opened to hatred, disinformation and manipulation under the cloak of supposed freedom of expression.”

The University of Potsdam was among the institutions taking action. According to Silke Engel, the university’s spokeswoman, its administration decided Friday to shut down its official account after more than 13 years on the platform.

“We have been watching X for a long time and have not been as active there as we once were for a few months — because of the political developments,” Engel said. “We said to ourselves that we are a place for fact-based exchange, open discourse and transparency — that is no longer the case.”

German labor unions follow suit

The move follows a similar decision by two major German labor unions, the Unified Service Sector Union (Verdi) and the Education and Science Union (GEW), which departed the platform Thursday after roughly 15 years. Both organizations criticized X for allegedly amplifying anti-democratic narratives.

The unions described X as a “forum for the spread of right-wing extremist positions, hatred and agitation, hostility to democracy and disinformation.” They further argued that the platform’s algorithms “give preference to anti-democratic narratives.”

German government accuses Musk of election interference

These developments occur against the backdrop of escalating criticism within Germany’s political landscape over Musk’s interference in the country’s federal elections, scheduled for February 23.

Musk, a prominent U.S. tech entrepreneur and advisor to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has openly endorsed Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In a live online discussion with AfD leader Alice Weidel on Thursday, Musk urged voters to back the party, stating, “Only AfD can save Germany, end of story.”

The remarks drew sharp rebukes from the German government. Deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann accused Musk of attempting to influence the federal election campaign, saying at a Berlin press briefing, “While he is free to express his opinion, in fact, Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election through his statements.”