ISTANBUL

Prominent accounts with large followings on X left the platform after Donald Trump was elected to a second term as US president.

The decision to leave X, formerly known as Twitter, was largely driven by concerns about owner Elon Musk’s close relationship with the president-elect.

Former CNN host Don Lemon said he left X because it no longer served the “purpose” of free speech.

“I once believed this was a place for honest discussion, debate, transparency, and freedom of expression,” Lemon said in a video posted on X.

“But I feel like it no longer serves that purpose.”

Bestselling US author Stephen King also announced that he was leaving the social media platform, citing its “toxic” environment.

Referring to a rival social media platform, the horror author wrote on X: “I’m leaving Twitter. I tried to stay but the atmosphere has become too toxic. Follow me on Threads if you want.”

The Guardian, St. Pauli says anti-hate group will quit at X

British newspaper The Guardian also announced that it would stop posting on X.

In its statement, the newspaper emphasized its concerns about increasing negativity and extremism on the platform; He finds these concerns now outweigh the benefits it once offered as a means of sharing journalism and engaging with audiences.

The Guardian cited the rise of harmful content on X, including far-right conspiracy theories and examples of racism, as factors in the choice to leave the platform.

“X now plays a lesser role in promoting our work,” he said, adding that his resources will be directed more effectively to other platforms.

German football club St. Pauli left X due to increased hate speech and disinformation, which he said could threaten the country’s upcoming early elections.

Announcing its decision, the platform criticized Musk for turning the platform into a “hate machine” since he took over in 2022.

St. “Racism and conspiracy theories are spreading unchecked and even supported,” Pauli said.

“Insults and threats remain largely unpunished and disguised as freedom of expression.”

The Center to Counter Digital Hate, a London-based hate speech watchdog, said it would leave X, citing concerns that changes to its terms of service could weaken its position in legal battles.

Specifically, Musk is changing the terms to require that any lawsuit against the platform be filed in Texas, where X is headquartered.

“Elon Musk has transformed a once influential town square into a dangerous, troubled space where hate, conspiracy theories, and lies have privileged access to the megaphone,” the center’s blog said.

In June 2023, the center released a report claiming that X had failed to address hate speech on its platform.

In response,

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