In a scathing rebuke of the social media platform’s current state, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has announced her departure from X, formerly known as Twitter, after over a decade of active engagement. Hidalgo, a prominent figure in French politics, cited the platform’s descent into a “gigantic global sewer” as the primary reason for her decision.
Hidalgo’s departure adds to a growing chorus of criticism directed at X’s management under Elon Musk, who acquired the platform in October 2022. Since taking over, Musk has implemented a series of controversial changes, including reinstating previously banned accounts and loosening content moderation policies.
In her farewell statement, Hidalgo decried the platform’s role in amplifying hate speech, misinformation, and attacks on marginalized groups, particularly women, scientists, and environmentalists. She further accused X of becoming “an impressive tool for destroying our democracies,” highlighting its potential to exacerbate societal divisions and undermine democratic processes.
lance une démarche d'écoute et de dialogue avec les habitants de Paris : http://tinyurl.com/cacmq4
— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) March 24, 2009
Hidalgo’s decision to leave X carries significant weight, given her stature as a public figure and her early adoption of the platform. She joined X in 2009 as deputy mayor of Paris, using it to engage with citizens and promote her policy initiatives. However, her growing concerns over the platform’s trajectory eventually led her to conclude that her continued presence would be incompatible with her values.
Hidalgo’s departure is not an isolated incident. Several other prominent figures, including Tesla investor Ross Gerber and Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, have denounced Musk’s leadership of X, expressing concerns about the platform’s direction and its potential impact on society.
The ongoing controversy surrounding X has also led to financial repercussions. Major companies such as Apple, IBM, and Disney have pulled their advertising from the platform, citing concerns about brand safety and the platform’s overall environment. This exodus could potentially cost X up to $75 million in ad revenue by the end of 2023, according to The New York Times.
Hidalgo’s decision to leave X serves as a stark reminder of the platform’s current challenges and the potential consequences of its unchecked growth. Her departure underscores the need for meaningful reforms to address the issues she has raised, ensuring that X becomes a platform conducive to respectful discourse and constructive engagement, rather than a breeding ground for division and harm.