Why Statewatch is leaving X
20 January 2025
Today, Statewatch officially bids a not-so-fond farewell to X (formerly known as Twitter). After over a decade of sharing research, exposing abuses of power, and engaging in critical conversations on the platform, we’ve decided it’s time to take our leave.
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Image: Public domain
Why now?
X has never been free of hate, misinformation or conspiracy theories. However, it has now been transformed into a platform that actively amplifies them, whilst sidelining individuals and organisations that advocate inclusion, transparency and justice.
For this reason, we feel that our continued use of X would conflict with both our values and our mission.
As activists, lawyers, and journalists working to expose power and inform dissent, we cannot continue supporting a forum that purposefully promotes far-right extremists and their rhetoric.
While our account will remain on X to encourage people to find us elsewhere, we will no longer post on the platform after today.
Gladly, we’re not alone in this decision. Many organisations, lawyers, and activists have already taken their leave, highlighting X’s descent into a forum that no longer even attempts to uphold integrity or accountability. Even major news outlets and government organisations have stepped back.
As for the timing of our departure, we’ve decided to mark a symbolic moment of dissent alongside Migreurop (of which we are co-presidents), European Digital Rights (of which we are a member) and many other civil society organisations across Europe. What better day for a principled exit than one marked by a troubling return?
Where you can find us
You will still find our work on platforms that, at least for now, support meaningful engagement rather than hinder it. We hope you will join us.
For now, these include:
We will also remain on Meta’s platforms, for now:
As always, we invite you to subscribe to our mailing list to stay up-to-date with the latest research, publications, and news. Social media platforms rise and fall; email has, so far, outlasted them all.
As we leave X, we want to thank everyone who joined us there over the years. It’s always been our broadest audience and one we would rather not lose. We hope you will join us elsewhere.
And to X? Well, it’s not us. It’s you.
Our work is only possible with your support.
Become a Friend of Statewatch from as little as £1/€1 per month.
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