Key facts
- The UK's culture and media department is leaving X.
- The department cited concerns over abuse and misinformation on the platform.
- Secretary Lisa Nandy stated X favors abuse over meaningful debate.
- This follows a similar decision by the attorney general for England and Wales.
- The move highlights growing concerns about content moderation on X.
The UK's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will stop using X, formerly Twitter, due to the platform's perceived prioritization of "abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate." Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the decision, stating that the platform is "not healthy for our democracy or our communities."
The department's departure marks a significant symbolic moment, as it is responsible for media regulation in the UK. This move follows a similar decision by Richard Hermer, the attorney general for England and Wales, who instructed his office to cease posting on X. Concerns have been amplified by X's role in promoting far-right content and inciting violence, as seen in recent incidents in Southampton and Belfast.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, has faced criticism for his past remarks, including a video message to a far-right march in London suggesting that "violence is coming" to those who do not engage in politics. The platform's handling of content related to these events and its broader approach to moderation have drawn scrutiny. Nandy indicated that individuals wishing to interact with her or her department can do so via Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.