European University Viadrina leaves Platform X - Together for Diversity, Freedom and Science
On Friday, 10 January, the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) will cease its activities on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). It is thus participating in a joint withdrawal by more than 60 German-speaking universities and research institutions.
"The actions of Platform X, the strengthening of right-wing populist content and the restriction of reach through the targeted use of political algorithms contradict our basic ideas of academic integrity and democratic discourse," said Prof Dr Eduard Mühle, President of the European University Viadrina, explaining the step. The platform's latest developments are no longer compatible with Viadrina's identity as a cross-border, international European university based on intercultural exchange, fair discourse and academic freedom.
Science communication must be based on evidence and transparency - principles that X systematically violates. A continued presence of the official Viadrina channels on the platform is unacceptable for us. We are therefore freezing our official presence on X.
Prof Dr Eduard Mühle, President of the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)
In addition to the existing social media channels, the European University Viadrina will now also provide information about its activities on the Bluesky network.
The joint statement by the German-speaking universities and research institutions on the withdrawal from X states: "The withdrawal is a consequence of the incompatibility of the current orientation of the platform with the fundamental values of the participating institutions: Openness to the world, scientific rigour, 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 organisations involved. The withdrawal of the institutions emphasises 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."
Michaela Grün
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