Social Media Universität Heidelberg Discontinues Communication Activities on Central X Account
10 January 2025
Part of an initiative of over 60 universities and research institutions in the German-speaking region
As of today, Friday, Heidelberg University is discontinuing communication activities on its central X account. In doing so, it is part of an initiative launched by over 60 universities and research institutions in the German-speaking region, who will stop using the platform (formerly Twitter). This withdrawal comes “in response to the platform's current direction, which is incompatible with the core values of the participating institutions: openness to the world, scientific integrity, transparency, and democratic discourse,” says a press release issued by the initiative.
The Rectorate of Heidelberg University has decided to suspend all activities on X for the time being, with approval also indicated by its Senate. The university’s decision to discontinue institutional activities on X does not affect individual communication by members of the university who continue to use X in order to remain connected and share knowledge.
Heidelberg University will critically follow the development of all social media on which it shares news and information from the university via its external communication. The content disseminated by Heidelberg University via these channels will continue to also be available on the university’s websites, which are accessible to everyone. Heidelberg University is present with communication activities in the social media via other networks, such as Mastodon and Bluesky.