Guardian ends official presence on X: here’s why
Mumbai: The Guardian has announced that it will no longer post from its official accounts on X, Elon Musk’s social media platform formerly known as Twitter. In a message to readers, the news organization cited the growing drawbacks of staying active on the platform, referencing the “often disturbing content” prevalent there.
“We wanted to inform readers that we will no longer post on any official Guardian editorial accounts on the social media site X,” stated the Guardian. With over 80 accounts and around 27 million followers on the platform, the Guardian pointed to persistent issues, including the spread of far-right conspiracy theories and racism, as key reasons for its departure. The platform’s recent coverage of the U.S. presidential election further solidified its decision.
“This is something we have been considering for some time due to the often disturbing content promoted or present on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism,” the Guardian noted.
While the Guardian’s official accounts will cease posting on X, users on the platform can still share Guardian articles, and the organization may embed relevant X posts within its live news coverage.
Following the announcement, Elon Musk responded on X, dismissing the Guardian as “irrelevant” and calling it a “laboriously vile propaganda machine,” intensifying the platform’s strained relationship with several media outlets.
Reporters from the Guardian are still permitted to use X as a tool for news gathering, allowing them to monitor updates and engage with sources while following the organization’s social media guidelines.
Last year, National Public Radio (NPR) similarly stopped posting on X after being labeled “state-affiliated media” by the platform, a term typically used for government-controlled outlets. This also led PBS, the U.S. public television broadcaster, to suspend its activity on X.