Users and media companies are leaving X due to concerns over moderation, leading to a migration toward alternatives like Bluesky.
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A growing number of users are leaving the X social media platform, with critics, particularly European media companies, voicing strong concerns. The trend accelerated after Elon Musk accepted a role advising Donald Trump on government efficiency and transparency. This collaboration between Musk and Trump has raised alarms among major European media outlets and consumers regarding trust erosion.
Musk’s shift from being a “disillusioned Democrat” to a staunch supporter of Trump was notable, especially given his past involvement in the political sphere. After Twitter banned him following the Capitol riot, Musk purchased the platform in 2022 and quickly reinstated Trump users. This reversal shocked some who feared further manipulation or Musk’s increasing political involvement.
Consequently, an exodus from X has begun. Data shows a decline in global user numbers for X between January 2024 (619 million) and September (588 million), causing it to drop to the 12th spot globally. The European Commission also warned X leadership about violations of EU digital services laws concerning data privacy and ad transparency. This prompted an organized migration toward BlueSky, a decentralized platform founded by Jack Dorsey.
The departure is intensifying following Trump’s election victory. While alternatives like BlueSky offer stricter oversight through decentralized storage, trust remains an issue; for instance, X has signed an EU hate speech code of conduct while BlueSky has not yet done so. Despite similar features to X, BlueSky boasts a more user-friendly algorithm and has seen significant growth in users across Europe.
Journalists and media companies are abandoning X due to lack of moderation, with some calling it a “lawless zone.” In France, for example, major newspapers are reducing or suspending activity on the platform. Spanish users cite safety and ethical issues, such as unchecked hate speech and disinformation, leading them to seek alternatives despite needing X for work.
In Czechia, media outlets have switched to BlueSky due to concerns over X promoting divisive content. In Hungary, while specific numbers of leavers are unclear, active usage is declining, partly attributed to the platform’s predominantly English content and perceived lack of value for businesses. Hungarian politicians maintain a strong presence on X, however.
