Labour MPs are leaving X due to concerns about misinformation and hate speech on the platform. One MP, Noah Law, has disabled his account, while others are exploring alternatives like Threads and Bluesky. Elon Musk, who owns X, has been criticized for allowing the spread of fake news and misinformation, as well as for his public disputes with politicians like Keir Starmer. Jess Phillips, a Home Office minister, has expressed dissatisfaction with the platform, calling it “a place of misery”. Government ministers have also reduced their posts on X due to Musk’s actions.
Josh Simons, a Labour MP, has raised concerns about how Musk has changed X’s algorithms, turning it into a platform for foreign adversaries and far-right groups. He believes that no one should have such power to manipulate public discourse. Other MPs like Lewis Atkinson and Jo Platt have also shifted to alternative platforms like Threads, citing the prevalence of hate and disinformation on X. The recent far-right-led unrest in England and Northern Ireland, fueled by misinformation online, has highlighted the need for social media companies to take stronger action against disinformation.
Downing Street has indicated that social media companies could face stricter regulation if they do not address the spread of hatred and illegal content on their platforms. The government is focused on implementing the Online Safety Act to ensure a safer online environment. Despite criticism from figures like Nigel Farage, who accused Keir Starmer of threatening free speech, the prime minister’s spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to reaching a wide audience through various communication channels, including X.
Musk’s public criticisms of the UK government, police, and justice system have sparked controversy, with the hashtag TwoTierKeir gaining traction. While the government has no plans to abandon X as a communication channel, it acknowledges the need to address the broader issue of social media regulation in light of recent events. The ongoing tensions between Musk and political figures like Starmer underscore the complex relationship between technology, free speech, and public discourse in the digital age.
