Council Moves to Pause X Activity
Belfast City Council is preparing to suspend its use of X, formerly Twitter, following concerns about the platform’s AI tool, Grok. The council’s strategic policy and resources committee voted to halt posts and redirect followers to other social media channels.
However, the move still needs approval at the next full council meeting on 2 February.
Concerns Linked to AI Deepfakes
The decision follows growing alarm over Grok being used to generate sexualised AI deepfake images. As a result, UK media regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into the platform.
In response, X later said it had introduced technical safeguards. These measures aim to block Grok from editing images of real people to show them in revealing clothing in countries where such content is illegal.
Stormont Departments Review X Use
Across Northern Ireland’s nine Stormont departments, seven confirmed they hold paid X subscriptions. Together, those subscriptions cost more than £1,300 per year and include added security features.
Meanwhile, several departments, including health, education, and infrastructure, said they are keeping their social media use under review. Others, such as justice and agriculture, said they do not subscribe to X but remain concerned about Grok.
Political Reaction at City Hall
Green Party councillor Brian Smyth proposed the suspension alongside SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite. Smyth said councils have a safeguarding duty and must act when risks arise.
The committee vote passed by 15 votes to four. The DUP was the only party to oppose the move. The party argued that leaving X limits public engagement and fails to address wider AI risks across other platforms.
Safeguards Without Account Deletion
The council does not plan to delete its X account. Smyth warned that doing so could allow others to take the handle and impersonate the council. Instead, the account will remain inactive until further guidance emerges from UK authorities.
Wider Debate Over AI Safety
SDLP MLA Cara Hunter welcomed the decision. She previously left X after being targeted by a deepfake video. Hunter called the council’s move a positive step in addressing online harm.
As AI tools spread across social platforms, Belfast City Council’s decision may signal a tougher approach to digital safety in public institutions.
