The UK attorney general, Richard Hermer, tells staff in his department to stop using the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, citing concerns about its role in spreading disinformation. Multiple reports say the instruction applies to day-to-day use within his office and is aimed at reducing exposure to content that may contribute to harmful narratives. The Mirror reports that Hermer raised worries about far-right disinformation connected to the platform. The Guardian adds that Hermer’s office is understood to be the first UK government department to restrict use of X. It also reports that the department last posted on X on Friday, and that officials are told not to use the site unless for the specific purpose of countering disinformation. The decision comes amid broader concerns following recent unrest, with the concern framed around X being used to incite violence and promote racism. The reports describe a limited allowance only for disinformation-countering activities, with other posting and use paused.
UK attorney general orders staff to stop using X amid disinformation concerns
The UK attorney general, Richard Hermer, tells staff in his department to stop using the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, citing concerns about its role in spreading disinformation. Multip...
- Richard Hermer orders staff in his office to stop using X, the Elon Musk-owned platform.
- The directive cites concerns about disinformation, including far-right content.
- Hermer’s department is described as the first UK government department to restrict use of X.
- The office last posted on X on Friday.
- Use is reportedly permitted only for the specific purpose of combating disinformation.
The attorney general Richard Hermer has said staff in his office are no longer to use the X social media website amid fears over the Elon-Musk-owned platform's role in spreading disinformation
11 hours agoExclusive: Richard Hermer’s department understood to be first in government to restrict use after recent riotsThe attorney general has told his office to no longer post on X, making it the first UK government department to stop using the Elon Musk-owned platform amid increasing worries about its use to incite violence and racism.Richard Hermer’s office last posted on X on Friday, and it is understood that officials have been told to no longer use the site, unless for the specific purpose of combatting disinformation there. Continue reading...
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