ELIA’s X-it

ELIA announces that it will be deleting its X (formerly Twitter) account, effective 24 January 2025. Moving forward, ELIA will not be managing X as a social media channel for projects we are involved in. 

Those familiar with the platform will notice significant feed and algorithm changes over the past year, promoting far right, non-inclusive, and undemocratic agendas. As a network representing over 290 higher education institutions, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic force, a knowledge community for peer learning, exchange, and development. Through authentic dialogue, we shape safe, brave, and explorative spaces.  We believe that these spaces should remain adaptive and resilient, supporting processes of learning, understanding, and care.  

We do not see X as a safe space. We believe X contradicts ELIA’s Values, and we are not alone. Over the past year, we have seen a mass exodus of members, artist practitioners, partners, and cultural organisations leaving the platform. Among them was Culture Action Europe (CAE), which decided to leave the platform in December last year, effective 1 January 2025.  

CAE reported that: 

“Within the past few months, X has seen an exodus of artists leaving the platform due to amendment of their use terms of service that does not allow users to opt out of having their posted content used for AI/generative training. Prior to the change, users still had the ability to opt out, but as of now by continuing to use the platform, users agree that X can use their data to train AI models.” 

In 2024, ELIA hosted several conversations and events on data protection, copyright, and the power of AI, while constantly questioning our dependency on tech giants such as Meta, X, and Google. It has also not gone unnoticed that Meta will stop using third-party fact-checkers on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram; a policy originally introduced to curtail the spread of misinformation across its platforms. 

Even though we remain on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for now, we will continue to monitor developments closely, collaborate with our colleagues at Culture Action Europe, and host further discussions on these critical matters as they arise. We encourage our 1,700 followers on X to continue following our news and event updates by joining our mailing list. 

As a recipient of Creative Europe’s Network Funding, we have many exciting developments and initiatives on the horizon. Join us as we find meaningful ways to embody the power of community, stay connected, and continue advocating for the value and impact of the arts.