French Collective Launches HelloQuitteX App to Help Users Transition from X

French Collective Launches HelloQuitteX App to Help Users Transition from X

A group of French innovators has launched “HelloQuitteX,” an app to help users transition from the platform X to alternative social networks while maintaining their connections. The initiative, coinciding with Trump’s inauguration, encourages a collective exit due to concerns over X’s content moderation. Supported by over 30 volunteers, the app allows users to transfer followers to networks like Bluesky and Mastodon. As criticism mounts against figures like Musk and Zuckerberg, digital migration from X continues to gain momentum.

Introduction to a New Migration Tool

A collective of French innovators has unveiled an application designed to assist users of X in transitioning to alternative social networks, all while preserving their connections. The initiative aims for a collective exit from the platform on January 20, coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration. Across the globe, various institutions, ministries, cities, media outlets, and public figures have recently announced their departures from the American social network.

Supporting a Shift Away from X

In France, notable departures include the Paris city hall, the Pasteur Institute, and over 80 organizations, such as the League of Human Rights and Emmaus. These entities have condemned the platform for its inadequate moderation and algorithm design, which allegedly promotes the spread of hateful content. To facilitate this mass migration, “HelloQuitteX” was established as a citizen science initiative, now supported by more than 30 volunteers from various groups, including a small team of developers organized by the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).

Prominent users of “HelloQuitteX,” including astrophysicist Éric Lagadec and the environmental group “Générations Futures,” have begun sharing messages on their profiles stating, “I just made my #eXit.” According to David Chavalarias, a mathematician at CNRS who conceptualized the project, many users feel trapped by their audience on X and hesitate to leave due to concerns about losing valuable connections.

The application, cleverly named “HelloQuitteX” as a nod to the Japanese brand “Hello Kitty,” allows users to transfer their followers and subscriptions to platforms like Bluesky or Mastodon—networks that are considered to prioritize user privacy and freedom of expression. Users are required to download their personal archives from X and upload them to the “HelloQuitteX” website, with assurances from developers that all data will be deleted afterward. In just one week, over 5,000 individuals and organizations have registered for the service.

“HelloQuitteX” is part of a broader trend of digital migration from X, which has seen multiple waves of users departing, especially after its acquisition in 2022 and following Trump’s re-election in November. The date of his inauguration was deliberately chosen to highlight the connection between Trump and Musk, as Trump once appointed Musk to lead a ministry aimed at enhancing “government efficiency.”

Recently, Musk has been vocal against various European leaders and has openly supported far-right groups, like Germany’s AfD. Faced with criticisms of misinformation and inadequate moderation, Musk continues to advocate for a radical interpretation of free speech, rejecting all forms of censorship.

This perspective appears to be resonating with Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, who has recently made changes to his moderation strategy, raising concerns about potential setbacks in combating hate speech and harassment against minorities. This could potentially lead to another wave of digital migration, according to David Chavalarias, who speculates that if Facebook’s ideological shift persists, it may become the next destination for disillusioned users.