Gambiaj.com – (Paris, France) – French daily Le Monde announced on Monday its decision to withdraw from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), citing growing concerns over the platform’s direction and broader implications for journalistic integrity in the digital age.

In an editorial published on the same day, Jérôme Fenoglio, the director of Le Monde, outlined the rationale behind the move, signaling a heightened scrutiny of other major platforms, including TikTok and those under Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

“We will also redouble our vigilance on several other platforms, in particular TikTok and those of Meta, after the worrying declarations of Mark Zuckerberg,” Fenoglio wrote, referencing the Meta CEO’s alignment with positions taken by the U.S. president inaugurated earlier on Monday.

The editorial reflects Le Monde’s increasing apprehension over the policies of tech giants and their potential influence on public discourse. While Fenoglio did not elaborate on specific statements by Zuckerberg, his remarks suggest an unease over platforms prioritizing political alignments or compromising on editorial autonomy.

This decision comes amid a broader debate over the role of social media in disseminating news and the challenges faced by traditional media in navigating algorithm-driven content distribution.

Le Monde’s withdrawal from X marks a symbolic moment in the ongoing tension between legacy media institutions and digital platforms. The paper’s leadership has previously raised concerns over the diminishing space for factual reporting in environments driven by clickbait and misinformation.

Observers note that the move may set a precedent for other major outlets grappling with the ethical and operational dilemmas posed by social media platforms. It also underscores the urgency for dialogue on safeguarding journalistic values in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Neither TikTok nor Meta has responded to Le Monde’s editorial at the time of publication.