UK culture minister quits X over ‘abuse and misinformation’

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has quit the social media platform X, citing its promotion of "abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate." Consequently, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will also cease using X. Nandy stated the platform is "isn't healthy for our democracy or our communities" and plans to remain active on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The DCMS is the second UK government department to leave X, following the Attorney General's Office. Critics have accused X's owner, Elon Musk, of reducing content moderation, leading to concerns about misinformation and a "toxic" online culture. This decision comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of X regarding online safety and misinformation.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced that her department will cease using the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. This decision stems from concerns that X prioritizes "abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate," particularly regarding far-right content that incites violence and division. The department's departure follows a similar move by the Attorney General for England and Wales, prompted in part by X's role in recent disorder in Southampton and Belfast. Nandy stated her personal decision to leave the platform as well, citing its negative impact on democracy and communities. This action is significant as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is responsible for media regulation.