French Newspapers Take Legal Action Against Social Media Giant X

Major French newspapers, including Le Monde, have initiated legal action against social media platform X, accusing it of using their content without compensation. They claim payment is due under ancillary rights. Unlike other platforms, X has not negotiated with publishers or complied with a court order for financial disclosure.

Major French newspapers, among them Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Le Parisien, have launched legal proceedings against social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, for allegedly using their content without payment.

The newspapers argue that X owes them compensation under ancillary rights, which require digital platforms to pay for distributing content. This situation contrasts with the actions of companies like Google and Meta, which have negotiated with French publishers.

The media outlets also claim that X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has not adhered to a Paris Court of Justice order mandating the provision of information necessary for calculating owed payments. The case is set to be heard on May 15, 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)