Sligo County Council ceases use of social media platform X following recent controversy with app

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Sligo County Council has confirmed it has suspended use of the X social media platform since last Friday.

The news came to light at a meeting of the Council on Monday following a motion proposed by Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Gilroy which called on the local authority to “carry out a review of social media policy and consider if after such a review the council should cease the use of a particular social media platform.”

Addressing the meeting Cllr Gilroy said, “I am delighted to say the management team have met and ceased use of the X platform since last Friday.”

In his motion Cllr Gilroy outlined some of his concerns when he referred to “The threats of Artificial Intelligence generated material and recent controversy involving the X platform and the Grok AI Assistant.”

Outlining his position Cllr Gilroy referred to the controversy surrounding the platform as it generated non-consensual sexualised images of individuals, including children. He added. “Any human being is entitled to their dignity. Nobody deserves that sort of treatment.”

The announcement was welcomed by Cllr Declan Bree who said, ”I warmly the decision of our executive.”

Cllr Bree added, “It is now recognised and accepted that X has breached numerous laws and has become a platform which allows the creation of child pornography

“As a public body with a duty of care, I believe that this Council should not maintain a presence on, or lend any credibility to a platform that fails to adequately protect users from such harm.

“Two weeks ago Dublin City Council decided to suspend all posting by the Council on X. They also decided that the Council’s protocol committee would review their social media presence so as to ensure that the platforms they use into the future align with and support the Council’s values.

“Donegal and Kilkenny Council’s have also decided not to use the platform. Likewise the National Women’s Council, the Irish Refugee Council, Swim Ireland and An Taisce have also stopped using X.

“Elon Musk and the Trump administration oppose the imposition of regulations and will suggest that we are attempting to impose censorship. They consistently challenge nation states and even the European Union when attempts are made to regulate online material, which may affect the profits of their corporations.

“The fact is that what X has been doing is illegal and Musk and Co need to be held accountable.

“We have an obligation and duty of care to our citizens and I warmly welcome the decision of our executive to suspend the use of X as a communication tool.”

Cllr Ann Higgins was also vocal in her support of the motion and the local authority’s decision to suspend its use of X. Cllr Higgins called for all public bodies and all local authorities to follow suit insisting, “I don’t believe it will impact the council’s ability to communicate.”

Cllr Higgins added, “We need to send a clear message to the leadership of X.”

Cllr Fergal Nealon also gave his backing to the motion saying, “I’ve spoken previously about my concerns. The introduction of social media correlates with an increase in mental health issues.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.