After The Guardian, Spanish Newspaper La Vanguardia Also Leaves X Network

The Spanish newspaper "La Vanguardia," one of the most reputable media outlets in Spain, announced that it will stop publishing its reports on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). On Thursday, November 15, the newspaper stated that it "prefers to lose its subscribers than to publish its reports on a platform of fake information." Previously, The Guardian and the Berlin Film Festival had also announced their cessation of activities on the X network. In its editorial regarding this decision, La Vanguardia added that X has become an "echo chamber filled with conspiracy theories and disinformation" and has strayed from "effective and reasonable moderation." The newspaper also accused X of promoting "hatred against ethnic minorities, misogyny, and racism," claiming it is "a violation of human rights" and only focused on receiving "more advertisements and money." The newspaper specifically referenced numerous messages originating from India regarding the devastating and deadly flood in Spain last month, attributing the "growth of bots" as a factor in the distribution of misinformation about that flood, which resulted in the deaths of 224 people. Jordi Juan, the editor of the newspaper, told AFP that the publication's officials are aware that leaving the X network will have consequences and may lead to a loss of subscribers, but according to him, "in the battle for accurate and serious information and to preserve our name, it is better not to be on this network." La Vanguardia is published in Catalonia, Spain, and is described by AFP as one of the "oldest and most reputable" newspapers in Spain. This liberal newspaper, in a country where the government is held by left-aligned parties, criticizes the rising right-wing movements that have gained more influence in many governments and parliaments across Europe recently. Prior to La Vanguardia, the British newspaper The Guardian also announced on Wednesday that it would stop publishing its reports on the X network in opposition to "often disturbing content," citing "far-right conspiracy theories and racism" on the platform as the reason for this decision. The Guardian claimed that Elon Musk, the owner of X, used his influence to shape political discourse in favor of Donald Trump in the recent U.S. elections. Mr. Musk has supported Trump politically since the day Trump was shot and injured during a campaign speech in the summer, and he is now among the senior advisors to the newly elected President of the United States. The Berlin Film Festival also announced two weeks ago that it would end its activities on the X network, but did not provide an explanation for this decision.