Universities and research institutions leave Platform X (formerly Twitter)

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Together for diversity, freedom and science

January 10, 2025: Together with more than 60 German-speaking universities and research institutions, the Hamburg University of Music and Drama (HfMT) wants to set an example: It is jointly announcing today that it will cease its activities on Platform X (formerly Twitter). The withdrawal is a consequence of the incompatibility of the current orientation of the platform with the fundamental values of the participating institutions: Openness to the world, scientific integrity, transparency and democratic discourse.

The changes to Platform X - from the algorithmic amplification of right-wing populist content to the restriction of organic reach - make its continued use unjustifiable for the organizations involved. The withdrawal of the institutions underlines their commitment to fact-based communication and against anti-democratic forces. The values that promote diversity, freedom and science are no longer present on the platform.

Some institutions that have already discontinued their activities on the platform also support the joint appeal and thus reaffirm the importance of an open and constructive culture of discussion. This decision only affects the X accounts of the participating institutions and not their communication via other social media channels. However, in light of recent events, they will continue to closely monitor the development of the platforms and their algorithms.
The HfMT has chosen Bluesky as an alternative platform to X. You can find us at Bluesky

Prof. Dr. Jan Philipp Sprick, President of the HfMT: "As President of the university, I see it as our responsibility to promote a respectful, objective and science-based dialog. However, the development of Platform X (formerly Twitter) is now clearly at odds with these values: disinformation, hate speech and an opaque moderation policy are on the rise. I therefore expressly support the joint withdrawal from this platform."

A list of the participating universities and research institutions can be found at the following link from Informationsdienst Wissenschaft iwd