Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced on July 2, 2026 that she and her department are departing X, previously known as Twitter. Nandy cited the platform's unhealthy influence on democracy and communities as the primary reason for her exit. In her final post on X, she stated, "A platform originally designed for free speech and expression now favours abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate."
Government Departments Abandon X Amid Misinformation Issues
The decision by Nandy's department marks the second governmental exit from X, following the attorney general's office. Earlier this year, several MPs also distanced themselves from the platform, reacting to reports that X's AI tool was being utilized to create inappropriate images.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the move, asserting that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) should address misinformation rather than retreating from the platform. “DCMS is supposed to counter and deal with misinformation, not run away because it’s all too much,” she remarked.
Attorney General Defends Departure from X
Attorney General Lord Hermer expressed his rationale for banning his office from posting on X last month, claiming the platform often devolves into racism and misogyny. He stated, “For the work that I can do, I can engage with people in serious debate, detailed debate, respectful debate, without being on a platform that constantly descends to racism and misogyny.”
