Musk confirmed that posts containing links are deprioritized, renewing criticism that the platform is restricting access to external sources of information.

Summary

Elon Musk confirmed that X (formerly Twitter) deprioritizes posts containing links, encouraging users to post links in replies instead.

This practice, aimed at keeping users on the platform, has drawn criticism for restricting access to external information and harming media outlets’ traffic.

Past reports revealed X also delayed links to rival platforms and news outlets, prompting concerns about press freedom and revenue impacts.

The Guardian recently left X, labeling it “toxic,” while other media and free speech advocates accuse the platform of enabling disinformation and controlling narratives.

  • @ElectroVagrant
    4•4 hours ago

    Pretty sure all the adweb enclosures have been doing this for years now. Even pre-Musk acquisition people mentioned that Twitter seemed to bury posts with links, this is just Musk putting it upfront.

    This is how these businesses try to squeeze people for money. Bury outbound links unless you pay up to have them as ads/sponsored/promoted posts.