X’s EU user count declines since Elon Musk’s takeover, according to a recent report.

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has reported a decline in its active user base within the European Union since Elon Musk’s acquisition in October 2022. According to a recent transparency report, X has experienced a considerable loss of approximately 10.5 million users since August, primarily impacting countries such as France, Poland, Germany, and Spain.

Before Musk’s takeover, the platform boasted an active user count exceeding 100 million in Europe. Current estimates indicate that this number has dwindled to below 95 million, with potential drops also occurring in the United Kingdom. This shift underscores ongoing concerns about user engagement and retention on the platform following significant operational changes implemented under Musk’s leadership.

The European Union’s Digital Services Act mandates tech companies to transparently report on content moderation activities, requiring disclosures that are not typically expected in other jurisdictions. In March 2023, Musk acknowledged a drastic reduction in X’s value, stating it had fallen from billion to approximately billion. This depreciation has prompted questions about the platform’s viability amidst its shifting user demographics. Interestingly, some former advertisers appeared to be returning to the platform, particularly during the 2024 presidential campaign, where former President Donald Trump received financial backing from Musk.

While Musk claims that X has around 600 million active users globally, scrutiny regarding user retention in Europe raises doubts about this assertion. Analysts at Social Media Today have indicated potential discrepancies in Musk’s reported numbers, especially considering the notable decline in European user engagement.

Musk’s tenure has not been without controversies. His increased involvement in right-wing political activities has drawn significant backlash, with instances such as a viral incident mimicking a Nazi salute and participation in rallies for far-right parties in Europe drawing condemnation. His automotive company, Tesla, has also become a focal point for protests, with activists vandalizing properties and vehicles as a form of dissent against Musk’s positions.

This political framing has led to criticisms of Musk’s promotion of various controversial theories, including modified versions of the so-called Great Replacement Theory. The Anti-Defamation League has pointed out how this narrative has transitioned from fringe ideologies into mainstream discourse, which carries potential implications for societal tensions.

Overall, the dynamics surrounding X’s user base and Musk’s controversial public persona illuminate broader challenges within social media’s landscape, especially as user expectations and political climates continue to evolve. Media News Source reports that as the platform navigates these turbulent waters, the long-term effects on engagement and revenue remain to be seen.