Exodus and Unease: How Elon MuskS X is Testing European Politicians
The recent actions of X (formerly Twitter) under Elon Musk’s ownership are prompting a meaningful re-evaluation among European politicians. From concerns over misinformation to perceived “petty retaliation” against regulatory bodies, the platform is facing a growing wave of scrutiny and, in at least one case, outright departure. This article delves into the responses of Irish MEPs and Commissioners, revealing a complex landscape of continued usage tempered by increasing unease and a questioning of X’s future within the European Union.
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin Leads the Exit
The first major signal of discontent came in November 2024 with the departure of Aodhán Ó Ríordáin from X. He cited the platform’s “deteriorating state” as the driving force behind his decision, a stark commentary on the changes implemented since Musk’s acquisition. Ó Ríordáin didn’t hold back in his criticism, labeling X’s blocking of the European Commission’s advertising account as a “petty retaliation.”
He powerfully stated, “The EU’s fine is about basic consumer protection. It shows we stand up for our people,not the unchecked greed of reckless and childish tech billionaires.”
A Divided Response: Staying, But With Reservations
While Ó Ríordáin took decisive action, the response from other Irish representatives has been more nuanced. Most are continuing to use the platform, but with growing reservations and adjustments to their strategies. Here’s a breakdown of how key figures are navigating the changing landscape:
* Cynthia Ni mhurchu (Fianna Fáil): A daily user, recognizing X’s role in constituent engagement. however, she acknowledges the platform’s issues: weakened content moderation, increased misinformation, and a proliferation of bots. Her focus is now on EU enforcement of regulations like the Digital Services Act.
* Kathleen Funchion (Sinn Féin): The least active of those surveyed, describing X as a “very negative space” dominated by anonymous accounts and bots.
* Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fáil): Reduced his X activity as the Musk takeover, citing concerns about misinformation and extremist content.
* Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil): Long-standing concerns about X’s usefulness predate the recent changes,but acknowledges the need to utilize all available channels for communication.
* Fine Gael MEPs (Kelly, Carberry, Walsh, Doherty): Continue using X for constituent updates, but have observed a noticeable increase in bot activity. Maria Walsh specifically highlighted tightening moderation settings due to targeted trolling.
* Michael McNamara (Independent): Sees little change in the platform’s bias, merely a shift in political direction. The Commission’s advertising account ban is of little concern to him.
* Ciaran Mullooly (independent ireland): Regularly reviews his X usage on a monthly basis, indicating ongoing assessment of its value.
* Michael McGrath (European Commissioner): Has been inactive on X since mid-November,tho officials state there’s no specific reason for the pause.
The Core Concerns: A Platform in Decline?
The common thread running through these responses is a growing concern about the direction of X. Several key issues are consistently raised:
* Misinformation & Disinformation: A significant increase in false narratives and misleading content.
* Bot Activity: A surge in automated accounts amplifying harmful content and distorting online discourse.
* Weakened content Moderation: A perceived decline in the platform’s ability to effectively address harmful content and abusive behavior.
* EU Regulatory Compliance: Repeated disregard for obligations under EU law, particularly the Digital Services Act.
* Erosion of Trust: A general sense that the platform is becoming less reliable and more toxic.
The Future of X in Europe: A Regulatory Battleground
The European Union is taking a firm stance on digital regulation, and X is increasingly finding itself in the crosshairs. The blocking of the commission’s advertising account is a clear escalation of tensions.
The question isn’t simply whether individual politicians will leave the platform. It’s whether X will adapt to meet the EU’s demands for clarity, content moderation, and user safety.
As cynthia Ni Mhurchu aptly put it, “Whether I leave the platform or not, is not
