Council quits X over misinformation concerns

Warwick District Council is directing followers on X to other ways of getting updates from the authority

A council has said it has suspended its use of the social media platform X due to concerns over the content shared and "its use in spreading misinformation".

Warwick District Council's cabinet agreed on Thursday to immediately suspend all use of X, formerly known as Twitter. Its marketing and communications team will use other channels and direct its 12,000 followers to do the same.

Cabinet member Rebecca Davidson said: "Councillors have become increasingly concerned about the nature of the controversial content shared on the platform and its use in spreading misinformation and inciting action."

The platform X has been contacted for a comment.

The district council said the motion requested the council "disassociates itself from X" and it plans to write to local MPs to urge the government to do the same, it said.

Davidson said she felt it was the right time for the council to "remove itself from X."

"It [the council] no longer wants to be associated with that type of content and will be joining our neighbouring councils in Solihull and Rugby who have already left the platform," added Davidson, the authority's portfolio holder for people and organisational development.

She said the council had a strong following across other social media platforms and would continue to use those to update residents.

"The marketing and communications team is already investigating new opportunities, such as WhatsApp groups, text messaging and our own App, to continue to improve our communications," she added.

A post has been pinned to the top of the authority's account redirecting its followers to other channels.