The University of Cologne actively runs a number of accounts on various social platforms, including X, the open source service Mastodon and Meta channels. It regularly assesses which channels it uses and to what extent in light of a number of factors (including its own communication objectives and interests, target group acceptance and reach, platform-specific developments and decisions). We are currently in a situation of uncertainty with regard to our presence on X: “Openness to the world, academic excellence, transparency and democratic discourse can (...) be arguments both for and against keeping your X account,” argued the board of the German Association of University Communication (Bundesverband Hochschulkommunikation) in a recent statement.

The University of Cologne will not delete its X account, as this would allow third parties to post under the name of the university. From what we understand, other universities that are now stating they are leaving X will not be deleting their accounts either. The University of Cologne will suspend its active maintenance of the X account – in the sense of further postings – until further notice due to the current assessment of opportunities and risks. We will monitor further developments on X very closely and may adjust our evaluation accordingly.