The German government is considering whether to delete its presence on 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 owner Elon Musk and Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right AfD party.
The spokesperson criticized the algorithms of X and other social media platforms, stating that they promote “agitated and polarizing” discourse rather than encouraging “calm, objective, and balanced” discussions. However, the government has decided to remain on the platform for now, citing its broad audience reach.
Musk has become increasingly vocal in his support for far-right and anti-establishment parties across Europe, including ahead of Germany’s February 23 election. His endorsement of such movements has led to protests from German institutions, including unions and universities, some of which have left his platform.
On Thursday, Musk reaffirmed his support for the AfD in a live talk on X. The party, which is anti-immigration and anti-Islamic, is classified as right-wing extremist by German security services. His stance on the AfD has sparked concerns in Berlin.
The government spokesperson stressed that the concerns about X were not tied to Musk’s political involvement in Germany, adding 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.
