NOS Leaves X Over Disinformation Concerns
- Broadcaster Ends Activity on Musk’s Platform
Dutch public broadcaster NOS announced it has stopped posting on X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. The organization explained that it no longer wishes to contribute to the spread of disinformation and hateful responses. According to NOS, even its own posts were attracting misleading comments, which risked amplifying falsehoods unintentionally. X did not provide an immediate response to the decision.
The broadcaster’s main account had 2.4 million followers, making the move significant in terms of reach. NOS emphasized that the platform no longer aligns with its vision for presenting news responsibly on social media. Instead, it will continue to maintain a presence on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp. These platforms are seen as more suitable for engaging audiences without the same level of unmoderated content.
Context of Content Moderation
Since Musk acquired X in 2022, critics have argued that his approach to content moderation has allowed misinformation and hate speech to spread more freely. Musk has defended his policies by framing them as a commitment to freedom of speech. Despite ongoing criticism, relatively few media organizations have chosen to leave the platform entirely. NOS is among the most prominent European broadcasters to take such a step.
Other outlets have made similar moves in recent years. The Guardian withdrew from X in 2023, citing disturbing content such as racism and conspiracy theories. U.S. National Public Radio also stopped posting in April 2023, when the platform was still known as Twitter. These examples highlight a growing unease among media companies about the risks of associating with unmoderated environments.
Impact and Industry Reactions
NOS’s departure underscores the tension between media organizations and platforms that prioritize minimal oversight. While X remains a major channel for news distribution, the broadcaster’s exit signals a willingness to sacrifice reach in favor of editorial standards. The decision reflects broader concerns about how misinformation can spread rapidly when left unchecked. It also raises questions about whether other European outlets may follow suit.
For now, most media companies continue to use X despite acknowledging its challenges. The platform still offers access to large audiences, which makes it difficult for organizations to disengage completely. However, NOS’s move may encourage debate about the balance between visibility and responsibility. The case illustrates how public broadcasters, in particular, feel pressure to uphold trust and credibility.
Research from the Reuters Institute shows that while X remains influential among journalists and politicians, its role as a source of news for the general public has declined. Surveys conducted in 2024 indicated that younger audiences increasingly prefer platforms like TikTok and Instagram for news consumption. This shift suggests that NOS’s strategy of focusing on alternative platforms may align with broader audience trends, even as it distances itself from X.
