X and World Federation of Advertisers Settle Boycott Lawsuit

X and the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) settled a multiyear legal dispute on Wednesday regarding allegations of an illegal advertiser boycott. The conflict originated in 2024 when X filed an antitrust lawsuit claiming the WFA and member companies, such as Mars, CVS Health, and Shell, colluded through the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) to steer investments away from the platform.

X alleged the boycott was a response to content moderation changes implemented after Elon Musk acquired the company. Although a federal judge dismissed the case in March 2026 due to a lack of evidence of harm under competition laws, X appealed the decision in April.

As part of the settlement, the WFA has permanently discontinued GARM and pledged not to restart the initiative or form a similar organization. In a joint statement, both parties indicated they are moving past the litigation and are aligned on the necessity of brand-safety innovation and freedom of speech.