Labour MPs are increasingly abandoning X, the social media platform once known as Twitter, over growing concerns about its role in spreading misinformation and amplifying extremist voices.
One MP accused Elon Musk, the platform’s owner, of turning X into “a megaphone for foreign adversaries and far-right fringe groups.”
The exodus began in the wake of far-right-led riots across England and Northern Ireland, which were reportedly fueled by misinformation circulated on X.
Discontent among Labour MPs has been palpable, with discussions erupting in WhatsApp groups about the platform’s deteriorating influence.
At least two MPs have already deactivated their accounts, with others exploring alternatives like Threads, owned by Meta, and the open-source platform Bluesky.
Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X, has found himself in a heated confrontation with Labour leader Keir Starmer. Musk’s provocative claim that the UK was on the brink of “civil war” due to the riots has sparked widespread criticism.
Many accuse him of failing to control the spread of fake news on his platform, with some even suggesting that he has personally contributed to the chaos by sharing false information.
Bruce Daisley, a former Twitter executive, recently argued that Musk should face personal sanctions — and potentially an arrest warrant — if he continues to use X to incite public disorder.
This sentiment echoes across the political spectrum, with figures like Jess Phillips, a Home Office minister with a large following on X, expressing their unease. Phillips, who has more than 700,000 followers, has publicly stated her intention to scale back her use of the platform, describing it as increasingly “despotic” and “a place of misery.”
Government Ministers Reduce X Activity Amid Controversy
Even within the government, there is growing reluctance to engage on X. One minister admitted they had significantly reduced their activity on the platform over the summer, citing Musk’s controversial decisions as a major deterrent.
Musk’s stance on free speech — evident in his decision to reinstate high-profile figures like Donald Trump and far-right activist Tommy Robinson — has only deepened the rift. Musk is scheduled to interview Trump on X, an event that will likely further inflame tensions.
Labour MP Josh Simons has publicly criticized Musk for altering X’s algorithms in a way that, according to him, gives undue influence to hostile foreign actors and fringe groups. “He’s turned X into a megaphone for those seeking to corrupt our public sphere,” Simons stated.
He also highlighted the emergence of a new generation of lawmakers who are keenly aware of the power of social media platforms and are prepared to take action.
In a similar vein, Labour MP Lewis Atkinson has started compiling a list of party members who have migrated to Threads. Atkinson emphasized the appeal of alternative platforms that are less prone to hosting hate speech and disinformation.
While he has not completely abandoned X, he acknowledges that the platform’s monopoly on political discourse is eroding.
Jo Platt, another Labour MP, left X before the last general election, disillusioned by what she described as the platform’s rapid decline.
A long-time user, Platt noted how quickly X had deteriorated in recent years, with misinformation and disinformation going unchecked. She has since joined Threads, which she finds to be a more reliable space for public discourse.
The recent unrest, spurred by online claims that a Muslim asylum-seeker was behind a deadly stabbing in Southport, underscores the dangers of unchecked misinformation. These false narratives, propagated by far-right activists, have serious real-world consequences.
In response to the growing concerns, Downing Street hinted at the possibility of stronger regulations for social media platforms if they fail to adequately address the spread of disinformation.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle met with social media executives last week, with another meeting expected soon, signaling that the government may be ready to take more decisive action to curb the influence of platforms like X.
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