More than 60 universities and higher education institutions in Germany have abandoned the social media platform X, declaring it incompatible with the academic values of diversity, freedom, and scholarship.

The universities issued a joint statement criticizing the platform's promotion of far-right populist content, which they deemed "unacceptable" to their principles.

"This decision sends a clear signal in favor of fact-based communication and against anti-democratic forces," the statement said.

Achim Zolke, a spokesperson for Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, which led the campaign, said more universities are joining the movement daily.

Institutions departing X include Freie Universitat Berlin, Humboldt University, and Heidelberg University.

Silke Engel, a spokesperson for the University of Potsdam, pointed to recent shifts in the platform's operations, criticizing its algorithm for interfering with the distribution of information and steering discussions.

Engel highlighted the platform's minimal moderation, which she said enables hate speech, disinformation, and manipulation under the pretense of protecting free speech.

"The platform's current direction is not compatible with the basic values of the institutions concerned: openness to the world, scientific integrity, transparency and democratic discourse," the statement added.

The universities' departure coincides with growing controversy over Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk's public support of the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party ahead of next month's snap election.

After taking over X, Musk largely removed its controls against disinformation and hate speech, and the platform has since witnessed a mass departure of users, reported AFP.

After acquiring the platform, then known as Twitter, in 2022, Musk fired 80 percent of its workforce, including personnel in content moderation teams.

Researchers claim the platform has become a breeding ground for misinformation.

In a 2023 interview with the BBC, Musk justified the changes as essential due to Twitter's financial crisis.

He has repeatedly called himself a "free speech absolutist", maintaining a lenient approach to content moderation on X.

Musk has backed the AfD for the upcoming Feb 23 election in social media posts, saying "only the AfD can save Germany".

Further controversy was stirred last week when Musk hosted a live X discussion with AfD's candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, who he introduced as "the leading candidate to run Germany".

Musk has defended his political intervention, citing his substantial German investments, including Tesla's Berlin-area factory.

German leaders have expressed growing concern about the billionaire's political interference and its potential to spread misinformation.