Two councils have renounced their use of social media platform X following claims that its integrated AI tool facilitates the creation of ‘completely unacceptable’ content.
Both South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils have decided to remove their profiles from the platform due to concerns about its integrated AI tool, Grok, which can be used to produce and share fake sexualised content involving real people.
In a statement last week, the Vale of White Horse DC explained that leading councillors at both local authorities had decided that Grok is incompatible with their safeguarding and safety commitments, particularly to women and children.
The council also provided alternative channels through which members of the community can find information about the local authority: Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Nextdoor, WhatsApp, the councils’ websites, email newsletters, and the local press and media.
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said that the council had not used X regularly for some time due to its ineffectiveness at communicating with residents.
She added: ‘I deplore the recent examples that have been reported on the platform, which go against the principles of the council, treating people fairly, with respect and as equals.’
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: ‘People around the world have been appalled at the recent developments at X, where the kinds of content being posted using its Grok tool have been completely unacceptable and do not align with the council’s values.’
Both council leaders have emphasised that the company’s response to the issues have been slow and inadequate, with Cllr Thomas noting that the matter will be kept under review based on whether a more serious approach is taken by the platform’s ownership going forward.
