Universities and research institutions leave platform X

As the increasing spread of false information, hate speech and agitation on the social media platform ‘X’ is not compatible with the values of the TU Braunschweig, the Executive Board and the Communications and Press Service decided in May 2024 to no longer communicate via the official TU Braunschweig profile on ‘X’. On 10 January 2025, more than 60 other German-speaking universities and research initiatives will now take part in a joint action to say goodbye to the social media platform. TU Braunschweig supports this joint appeal.

The withdrawal is due to the fact that the current orientation of the platform is not compatible with the basic 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 participating organisations. 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 of the institutions that have already ceased their activities on the platform also support the joint appeal, thus reaffirming the importance of an open and constructive culture of discussion. This decision only affects the X accounts of the participating institutions and does not affect their communication on other social media channels. In light of recent events, they will continue to closely monitor the development of the platforms and their algorithms.

TU Braunschweig is still represented on LinkedIn, Mastodon, Facebook and Instagram and looks forward to a respectful and open exchange there.