The Berlin Film Festival, known as Berlinale, has announced it will end its 15-year association with the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. This decision, which reflects increasing unease over X’s management of misinformation, comes ahead of the festival’s 75th edition, scheduled to take place from February 13 to 24, 2025.
The Berlinale has decided to say goodbye to X on Dec 31, 2024. Thank you for following us here all these years. Stay connected with all things Berlinale on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and our website. See you there! ❤️ #Berlinale pic.twitter.com/ZpsXM2d3DO
— Berlinale (@berlinale) November 4, 2024
In a statement shared on its official X account, the Berlinale expressed gratitude to its 133,900 followers, confirming that it would discontinue its presence on the platform by December 31, 2024. The festival directed audiences to stay updated via its other social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and its official website.
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Although the Berlinale did not specify the exact reasons for its departure, the move is in line with broader criticism surrounding X’s handling of harmful content and disinformation since Elon Musk’s takeover in 2022. Since then, the platform has faced mounting scrutiny for issues related to misinformation, hate speech, and abusive behavior, prompting many organizations and prominent individuals to reevaluate their engagement with the site.
Elon Musk’s recent political involvement, including his support for U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, has further fueled criticism and divided opinions regarding the platform’s future direction. This situation echoes the sentiments expressed by Alberto Barbera, the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, who announced his departure from X in 2023 due to a misalignment with the platform’s evolving objectives.
While Barbera has left X, the Venice Biennale, which oversees the Venice Film Festival, continues to utilize the platform. In contrast, the Berlinale is shifting its focus to maintaining an active presence on alternative social media channels to foster audience engagement.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
 will end its 15-year partnership with social media platform X (formerly Twitter) due to concerns about misinformation management, ahead of its 75th edition from February 13 to 24, 2025.){kind=link}