Major French newspapers, including Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Le Parisien, announced on Tuesday that they are taking legal action against social media platform X for allegedly using their content without compensation.
Representatives for X did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The newspapers stated that they are entitled to payment under their ancillary rights, which mandate digital platforms to compensate news outlets for the distribution of their content.
They noted that X, formerly known as Twitter, has never initiated negotiations with French news publishers, unlike Alphabet Inc's Google and Meta Platforms Inc. Additionally, X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has failed to comply with a May order from the Paris Court of Justice to disclose information necessary for calculating the amount owed.
"The revenue generated from these rights, along with the investments it would enable, is crucial for maintaining the diversity, independence, and quality of the media, which are fundamental to freedom of expression and the right to information in our democratic society," the newspapers stated in a joint declaration.
A spokesperson for the Paris tribunal confirmed the case and mentioned that a hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2025.
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