German Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Urges Government to Exit Social Media Platform X
Ferda Ataman highlights the platform's alleged role in promoting right-wing extremism, urging a departure for a more inclusive digital presence.
Ferda Ataman, Germany's Independent Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, has called upon the federal government to cease its activities on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter.
Speaking with the ARD Hauptstadtstudio, Ataman emphasized the urgency of the matter, suggesting that the presence of government ministries and officials on the platform serves to legitimize what she describes as an instrument of political manipulation owned by the world's richest man.
According to Ataman, X's algorithms amplify and sustain right-wing extremist expressions.
'If one considers the German Basic Law or our democratic values and the expectation for non-discriminatory discourse, it's difficult to justify a continued official presence on this platform,' Ataman expressed.
The commissioner criticized the ongoing governmental presence on X, pointing out that such association with the platform is inconsistent with national aspirations for an inclusive and discrimination-free society.
Despite these concerns, the German government has opted to maintain its presence on X.
Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit reiterated earlier this week that while the criticism is acknowledged, withdrawing from the platform might incur more substantial disadvantages than staying.
'We understand the critiques, but it's imperative we are visible where people seek information,' he stated.
This discourse surrounding the government's engagement with X has intensified following recent inflammatory statements by X owner Elon Musk, who insulted Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier while endorsing the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Ataman, who left the platform in October 2023, stands firm in her belief that government engagement with X must be reevaluated for the sake of upholding democratic principles and avoiding association with right-wing radical ideology.
Speaking with the ARD Hauptstadtstudio, Ataman emphasized the urgency of the matter, suggesting that the presence of government ministries and officials on the platform serves to legitimize what she describes as an instrument of political manipulation owned by the world's richest man.
According to Ataman, X's algorithms amplify and sustain right-wing extremist expressions.
'If one considers the German Basic Law or our democratic values and the expectation for non-discriminatory discourse, it's difficult to justify a continued official presence on this platform,' Ataman expressed.
The commissioner criticized the ongoing governmental presence on X, pointing out that such association with the platform is inconsistent with national aspirations for an inclusive and discrimination-free society.
Despite these concerns, the German government has opted to maintain its presence on X.
Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit reiterated earlier this week that while the criticism is acknowledged, withdrawing from the platform might incur more substantial disadvantages than staying.
'We understand the critiques, but it's imperative we are visible where people seek information,' he stated.
This discourse surrounding the government's engagement with X has intensified following recent inflammatory statements by X owner Elon Musk, who insulted Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier while endorsing the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Ataman, who left the platform in October 2023, stands firm in her belief that government engagement with X must be reevaluated for the sake of upholding democratic principles and avoiding association with right-wing radical ideology.
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