Elon Musk says X will publish the platform’s “new” recommendation algorithm as open source in seven days, including code that determines which organic posts and ads get recommended to users. He also said X plans to repeat the release every four weeks with developer notes describing what changed. The pledge comes as X faces heightened scrutiny over how content is amplified on the service, including regulator interest in the platform’s recommendation systems and transparency. If X follows through and keeps the repository current, the move could give researchers and developers a clearer, more checkable view of a system that shapes what people see online.

Highlights:

• Past attempts: X previously published portions of its “For You” feed code in 2023, but multiple outlets note that repository has not been kept up to date and left out key details, limiting how much outsiders could learn from it.
• AI shift: Musk has described a goal for X’s recommendation engine to become “purely AI,” and reporting says the company has been incorporating more AI into ranking, including using Grok.
• Feed bugs: Some users have complained about seeing fewer posts from accounts they follow, and Musk previously said X found a “significant bug” in the “For You” algorithm and pledged a fix.
• Safety spotlight: Scrutiny has intensified after reports that Grok generated child sexual abuse material at users’ requests and has been used to digitally undress women without consent, adding pressure for stronger safeguards and accountability.
• Regulatory context: Engadget reports investigations by France and the European Commission into X’s algorithm, including an EU retention order that it said was extended through 2026.

This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed. - Elon Musk

Perspectives:

• Elon Musk / X: X will open-source the new recommendation algorithm in seven days and re-release updates every four weeks with developer notes to explain changes. (South China Morning Post)
• Regulators in Europe: French authorities and the European Commission are examining X’s recommendation systems, and the EU has a retention order that Engadget says now runs through 2026. (Engadget)
• Independent observers / tech press: Outlets point out that earlier open-sourced X code was incomplete and outdated, so the usefulness of the new release will depend on whether X publishes the full decision logic and maintains it over time. (The Verge)

Sources:

• Musk promises X will open algorithm code amid Grok backlash - firstpost.com
• Musk says he’s going to open-source the new X algorithm next week - theverge.com
• Elon Musk to open source X algorithm in 7 days amid global scrutiny - scmp.com
• Elon Musk Says In One Week He Will Fully Reveal Why Your X Timeline Is… Like That - gizmodo.com
• Elon Musk: X's New Algorithm Will Be Made Open Source in Seven Days - slashdot.org
• Elon Musk says X's new algorithm will be made open source next week - engadget.com
• X to open-source its feed algorithm after regulatory scrutiny - techinasia.com