Official announcements from universities, news reports, and press releases

60 German and Austrian Universities Suspend X Use After Elon Musk's Talk with AfD's Alice Weidel

Jan 13, 2025, 06:16 AM

Over 60 universities and research institutions in Germany and Austria have decided to suspend their use of the social media platform X, citing a misalignment with their values of diversity, freedom, and scientific advancement. This decision follows a livestreamed discussion between Elon Musk and Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, on X. During the talk, Weidel made controversial claims, including that Adolf Hitler was a communist, which were met with criticism for spreading misinformation. The universities and institutions stated that the platform no longer promotes the values necessary for fostering diversity, freedom, and science.