Trouble for Elon Musk-led X: Leading French newspapers sue over content payments

Several major French newspapers have initiated legal action against Elon Musk-led X for using their content without payment. The publications cited their ancillary rights — which allow payment to news outlets by digital platforms for the distribution of their content.
“The revenue from these rights, with the investment that it would enable its beneficiaries to make, is a boost to the plurality, independence and quality of the media, which are essential for freedom of expression and the right to information in our democratic society,” added a statement quoted by Reuters.
Leading French publications including Le Figaro, Les Echos, Le Parisien, Le Monde, Courrier International, Huffington Post, and Le Nouvel Obs have launched joint action against the social media company. Others including wire agency AFP have also separately sued the social media platform run by US billionaire Elon Musk.
A court hearing has been set for May 15 next year. The claimants have already asked for an emergency injunction against X — which they accuse of not negotiating.
French media groups accuse the site formerly known as Twitter of violating so-called neighbouring rights. This is due when social media platforms republish news content under a European directive adopted into French law.
A Paris tribunal had agreed with the media companies on May 24 — giving X two months to provide commercial data that would allow them to assess the income it earns from their content. The newspapers say that the social media site “has not yet complied” with this decision and “demonstrated its continued intent to avoid its legal obligations”.
(With inputs from agencies)