The trend of organisations leaving X is gaining momentum as universities, councils, charities, and public institutions reassess their presence on Elon Musk’s social media platform. The latest to step away include Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Belfast City Council, citing concerns around safety, misinformation, and the use of artificial intelligence tools.

The platform has faced increasing criticism following investigations into its AI chatbot Grok, which has reportedly been used to create sexualised images of real individuals. This development has intensified debate over moderation standards and online safety.

Safety and Values Drive Exit Decisions

Several organisations leaving X say their decision stems from a mismatch between the platform’s environment and their institutional values.

The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (Nicva) stopped posting on X in March last year. Chief executive Celine McStravick said the platform had shifted significantly from its earlier purpose as a helpful engagement tool.

According to McStravick, community organisations expressed fear about the platform’s direction, citing the spread of misinformation, misogyny, and harmful rhetoric. She noted that the absence of meaningful sanctions against offensive content contributed to the decision to withdraw.

Concerns Over Hate Speech and Moderation

A growing number of organisations leaving X have also pointed to a perceived rise in unregulated content.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland suspended its activity on the platform in May last year. Representative David Kennedy described a “downward trend” marked by increasing hate speech and unregulated commentary.

The organisation said hostile content directed at community groups, including LGBTQ and newcomer communities, conflicted with its mission. Kennedy also highlighted concerns about changes to content moderation since Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022.

Local Governments Cite Reputational Risks

Public institutions are also reassessing their use of the platform. Belfast City Council recently confirmed it would suspend its X account while awaiting the outcome of an Ofcom review into the monitoring of Grok AI.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth said safeguarding concerns played a central role in the decision. He warned that the proliferation of sexualised deepfakes created serious risks, particularly for women and girls, and could damage the council’s reputation if it continued using the platform.

Dublin City Council previously suspended posting in January, reflecting similar concerns among local authorities.

Public Services and Universities Withdraw

Other public organisations leaving X include the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which recently closed its district accounts after evaluating engagement and usage.

Queen’s University Belfast also confirmed it is no longer active on the platform. The university stated the decision reflects its commitment to maintaining communication channels that are respectful, inclusive, and aligned with its values.

A university spokesperson noted that X has undergone significant changes in recent years, prompting a reassessment of its role as a communication platform.

Growing Trend Reflects Platform Transformation

The increasing number of organisations leaving X highlights broader concerns about content moderation, AI governance, and online safety. As scrutiny around artificial intelligence tools and platform policies continues, more institutions are reviewing whether the platform aligns with their communication strategies and public responsibilities.