What are governments still doing on X (formerly Twitter), and why are they using it? Many local authorities feel uneasy about this controversial platform. As a result, a growing number of local governments are quietly withdrawing, often not out of principle, but due to disappointing reach. On NPO Radio 1's EenVandaag, Marleen Stikker, director of Waag, discussed the government's presence on this platform.
“X, particularly in conjunction with Grok, can no longer be considered a reliable platform. It has transformed into a tool for military action and is part of America’s military infrastructure. While we strive to become strategically autonomous and sovereign, we continue to allow our social media to be dictated by individuals like Elon Musk.
It's widely recognized that X’s algorithm is harmful and addictive. This leads to significant stress and hinders genuine communication between people, failing to foster constructive dialogue. There are viable alternatives available, and I urge governments to explore these options. Many users on these platforms are eager to engage with administrators, yet governments are absent there.
Currently, many people have migrated to Bluesky and Mastodon. It's evident that remaining on major tech platforms is no longer feasible. It’s crucial for politicians to embrace innovation and support platforms that prioritize democratic values.”
Listen to the segment 'Municipalities struggle with use of X' on the website of NPO Radio 1.
