Major football leagues across the globe are condemning Elon Musk’s X, the platform previously known as Twitter, labeling it as a hub for unlawful social media piracy. In an urgent letter directed to X CEO Linda Yaccarino, renowned leagues such as the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, and Serie A are demanding immediate action to combat the rampant illegal distribution of copyrighted content on the platform.
Since Musk’s takeover of X in October 2022, there has been a significant rise in the sharing of pirated content, including full-length films and live sports events. The introduction of new features allowing longer video uploads has further exacerbated the situation, seemingly facilitating unauthorized distribution.
Football Leagues Unite Against Piracy
The letter, which includes signatures from soccer governing bodies UEFA and CONMEBOL, highlights a growing concern among networks that broadcast these leagues’ games, including DIRECTV, Sky, Movistar Plus+, beIN, and DAZN. These companies, which hold significant distribution rights, have also expressed frustration over X’s failure to efficiently manage copyright violations.
The letter explicitly calls out X for its “persistent failings” in moderating the illegal distribution of material, a problem that has reportedly intensified since Musk’s acquisition of the platform. The organizations argue that X’s current approach is woefully inadequate, making their attempts to tackle the issue far less effective.
“X’s approach to removing unlawful live content is completely insufficient,” the letter states. “It has become increasingly challenging to engage with the platform regarding these issues, especially as technical support has diminished.” The letter points out that X has reduced its content moderation team by 20 percent, limiting the resources available to combat piracy effectively.
The consequences of these failures are evident: the letter notes a growing audacity among pirates who feel they can freely share illicit content on X. Instances of illegal live streams have proliferated, particularly during high-profile events like the Copa América and Euros tournaments, often remaining active despite reporting efforts.
Impact on X’s Sports Engagement?
While X has seen a decline in users migrating to competitor platforms, its sports-focused audience remains robust. The platform is still regarded as the go-to venue for real-time discussions surrounding significant sports events. Many leagues and teams maintain a presence on X, largely due to its engaged fanbase. Currently, content related to the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics is prevalent, supported by advertising from broadcasters.
However, the relationship between X and the sports leagues could be jeopardized by the company’s lackluster response to copyright violations. Given Musk’s controversial leadership, the potential for advertiser backlash is a looming concern. The leagues involved in the letter are calling for an urgent meeting with X representatives to address these pressing issues.
