Elon Musk says X (formerly Twitter) on January 10, 2026, will make its recommendation algorithm open source within seven days, releasing code that determines which organic posts and advertisements users see. The move is framed as part of a broader transparency push, with regular updates promised every four weeks.
In the post, Musk stated: “We will make the new X algorithm, including all code used to determine what organic and advertising posts are recommended to users, open source in 7 days. This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed.“
The announcement came amid ongoing global scrutiny of X, including regulatory pressure in Europe. The European Commission recently extended a data retention order related to algorithms and illegal content dissemination through the end of 2026. Separately, Paris prosecutors opened an investigation in July 2025 into suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction, which X described as politically motivated.
This is not the first time Musk has promised to open-source X’s algorithm. In March 2023, shortly after acquiring the platform (then called Twitter), X released a partial version of its “For You” recommendation code on GitHub. Analysts at the time noted the release was incomplete, omitting key components and training data, and the repository has not been meaningfully updated since the initial upload.
Musk has repeatedly referenced transparency goals for the algorithm, including statements in 2023 and 2025 about making it “purely AI” and sharing updates frequently. The latest promise specifies a broader scope (covering both organic and ad recommendations) and a regular cadence of releases every four weeks with developer notes.
No specific reason for the timing was provided in the post or subsequent updates as of January 11, 2026. The announcement has been widely reported by outlets including Bloomberg, Reuters, Engadget, Gizmodo, and The Verge, all aligning on the details of Musk’s statement and the seven-day timeline.
The code is expected to be released around January 17, 2026, assuming the promise is fulfilled. Past experience suggests the initial release may be partial, with potential for more comprehensive follow-ups. No official GitHub repository link or further details have been shared yet.
