Liberal Democrats convince council to reduce use of X (Twitter)

COUNCILLORS in South Lanarkshire backed a Liberal Democrat plan for an ethical use of social media.

A huge majority supported the Liberals’ motion to limit the council’s use of X (formerly Twitter) to important and urgent public announcements. 

It follows widespread concern the platform has been hijacked by far-right groups.

In recent years X has reduced efforts to monitor and remove hateful and even criminal content. The material often targets women, ethnic minorities, religious groups, politicians and public figures, homosexuals, transgender people and others.

Hamilton West and Earnock Councillor Mark McGeever proposed the motion. He said: “Organisations at home and abroad have been forced to reconsider their use of Twitter because it now seems to push extremist images, video and text in front of ordinary users.

“People who would never choose to look at hateful campaigns are bombarded by it. 

“It’s entirely legitimate for individuals to keep using Twitter, but there’s an issue if the council uses it as a main way of communicating with residents without building up alternatives.

“We shouldn’t do something that forces residents who want information to use a system that will put hate-filled content in front of them.  

“At the same time we recognise there isn’t yet another system that reaches as many people so, until then, the council can still use Twitter in cases where the public need information about something urgent or important.

“It’s a principled but pragmatic way forward and I’m glad there was overwhelming support for our plan from councillors of different parties.” 

The Liberal Democrat proposal was carried by 54 votes to nine. 

Their plan was backed by Labour, SNP and Green councillors, with only the Conservatives and some independents opposing the council taking a pragmatic but principled stance.

The Liberal Democrats accepted an addition from the SNP group, which called for the council to gain authentication on Twitter-rival BlueSky, and to encourage its use. 

ENDS