At Least One UK Government Department Is Reportedly Done With X

A major shift may be underway in the British government’s relationship with X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

According to multiple reports published this week, the UK’s Attorney General has instructed his department to stop using X, citing growing concerns about misinformation, racism, and content that could incite violence. The move makes the Attorney General’s Office the first UK government department to effectively withdraw from the platform, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over social media regulation and online safety.  

The decision was reportedly made by Richard Hermer, who oversees the Attorney General’s Office. Reports indicate that the department has stopped posting on X except in limited circumstances, such as issuing important legal notices or warnings. Its final routine post was reportedly published on June 12.  

Why the Department Is Leaving

The reported withdrawal comes amid growing concern within parts of the UK government about the role social media platforms play in spreading harmful content.

Recent unrest in parts of the United Kingdom, including disturbances in Belfast and Southampton, has intensified scrutiny of online platforms. Officials have expressed concerns that false information and inflammatory posts shared on social media may have contributed to tensions surrounding these events.  

Critics of X argue that the platform has become less effective at moderating harmful content since it was acquired by Elon Musk. Some politicians, campaign groups, and researchers have accused the platform of allowing racist abuse, misinformation, and extremist content to spread more freely than before.  

A recent report highlighted complaints that racist posts targeting British political figures often remained visible despite being reported. Campaigners argued that this created an environment where abusive behavior could flourish without meaningful consequences.  

A Wider Debate Over Social Media

The Attorney General’s Office departure does not mean the entire UK government is abandoning X.

The government continues to maintain official accounts on the platform, and Downing Street still uses X as a major communication channel. However, the move highlights growing divisions over how governments should engage with social media companies that face criticism over content moderation practices.  

The decision also comes as the UK pursues some of the world’s most ambitious online safety measures. Earlier this month, ministers announced plans for extensive restrictions on social media use by people under the age of 16. The proposed rules would affect major platforms, including X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube.  

Supporters of stricter regulation argue that social media companies should take greater responsibility for harmful content shared on their services. Critics, however, warn that governments must be careful not to undermine free expression while pursuing online safety goals.

Pressure on X Continues to Grow

The Attorney General’s Office decision is only the latest challenge facing X in the United Kingdom.

Earlier this year, regulators opened investigations related to concerns about AI-generated sexualized images associated with Grok, the artificial intelligence system linked to X. British authorities and regulators have examined whether sufficient safeguards were in place to protect users, particularly children.  

Meanwhile, politicians from several parties have called for stronger action against social media platforms accused of hosting content that promotes violence or spreads misinformation. Some ministers have even suggested that platforms should bear financial responsibility when online activity contributes to public disorder.  

What Happens Next?

It remains unclear whether other UK government departments will follow the Attorney General’s Office and leave X.

For now, the move appears to be a symbolic but important statement from one branch of government. It signals growing frustration among some officials with the direction of the platform and its approach to content moderation.

Whether the decision becomes the beginning of a broader government exodus or remains an isolated case will likely depend on how debates over online safety, free speech, and platform responsibility continue to evolve in the months ahead.

What is certain is that the relationship between governments and major social media platforms is becoming increasingly complicated. The Attorney General’s Office decision shows that for at least one UK government department, the benefits of maintaining a presence on X may no longer outweigh the concerns.