Council leaves X amid ‘increase in unfiltered content’

A council is leaving X, formerly Twitter, after claiming there has been an “increase in unfiltered and inappropriate content”.

Chippenham Council, Wiltshire, said it will remove its X accounts on November 1 because the site is no longer “in line with its values”.

The move has been criticized by the local conservative group, which says the platform is an important tool for keeping residents informed.

A spokesperson for X said the site “remains committed to providing a safe and free space for all users to express themselves.”

The council, which is led by the Liberal Democrats, said X has been a “great place” to engage with the community but that “changes to the platform” were causing leaders to “reconsider” its use.

“We have noticed a significant increase in unfiltered and inappropriate content that is inconsistent with the council’s values,” a council spokesperson said.

“There has also been a significant decrease in engagement and relevant interaction on the platform.”

Two conservative councilors on the city council expressed their opposition to the plans.

Councilor Patrick Cousins ​​said social media is “critical” in keeping people informed, especially for those who are younger.

Meanwhile, councilor Nic Puntis wants the city council to reconsider: “I will continue to use my platforms to keep residents informed about what is happening in our city.”

An X spokesperson added that the company’s teams “continue to work toward the goal” of enabling free expression in public.

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