Full Breakdown
Belfast City Council Suspends Use of X Amid AI Concerns
1/24/2026, 8:33:33 AM
Decision to Suspend Posting on X
Belfast City Council has decided to suspend its use of the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, due to concerns regarding the AI tool Grok. The strategic and resources committee voted on January 27, 2023, to halt postings on the platform and redirect followers to other social media channels. This decision is pending ratification at the full council meeting scheduled for February 2, 2023. The council's move comes in light of investigations by the UK regulator Ofcom into Grok's potential misuse for creating sexualized deepfake images.
Background on AI Concerns
The decision to suspend X usage was proposed by Green Party leader Brian Smyth and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) councillor Séamas de Faoite. They expressed concerns about Grok's capability to manipulate images, including those of children, in a sexualized manner. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald echoed these concerns, stating that the creation of non-consensual explicit images is "deeply concerning." While seven of the nine Stormont departments maintain subscriptions to X, they have indicated that their usage will also be kept "under review."
Criticism and Opposition
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) opposed the suspension, arguing that it limits the council's ability to engage with residents. DUP representatives stated that singling out X ignores similar issues present across various AI platforms. They emphasized that the council should address the broader implications of AI and social media rather than focusing on a single platform. Smyth countered that the suspension is a necessary step for child protection and accountability from tech companies.
Official Statements & Responses
In a statement, Smyth noted, "Councils have a statutory duty under safeguarding, and I think that we have a duty to act." De Faoite added, “I cannot in good conscience stand over people’s images being so easily open to manipulation in such graphic and extreme ways.” The DUP, however, expressed that the decision reduces opportunities for community engagement, with a spokesperson stating, "They are taking action on one platform when there is a much wider issue across all AI and social media platforms."
What's Next
The council's suspension of X will be formally reviewed at the upcoming full council meeting. Meanwhile, Stormont departments will continue to monitor their subscriptions to X and assess the implications of Grok's usage. The outcome of the council's decision may influence how other governmental bodies approach social media policies in light of emerging AI technologies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “councils have a statutory duty under safeguarding and I think that we have a duty to act” — Brian Smyth, Green Party Leader
- “Whilst there is a wider conversation to be had about the impact of social media and the responsibilities of the platforms themselves, right now I cannot in good conscience stand over people’s images being so easily open to manipulation in such graphic and extreme ways.” — Séamas de Faoite, SDLP Councillor
