X is no longer considered to be the right platform to reach residents about the work of the Council.
Other councils and public sector organisations have already moved away from X, and following a decision made by Finance and Governance Committee last night, Weymouth Town Council will also do the same.
While the Council will no longer be posting on X, news will continue to be shared on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and the website.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WeymouthWTC/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/WeymouthWTC/
LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/company/weymouth-town-council
YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJLpxD27Qotb0D7OeosheQg
Website https://www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/
Why councils and public services in the UK are leaving X:
‘Public services and local councils have a duty to communicate in spaces that are safe, reliable and aligned with their statutory obligations. In recent years, concerns about content moderation, misinformation and the amplification of extremist material on X (formerly Twitter) have grown substantially. When public bodies maintain an active presence on a platform widely criticised for weakening safeguards against hate speech and disinformation, they risk appearing indifferent to the wellbeing of the communities they serve. For councils responsible for cohesion, safeguarding and equality under the law, remaining on a platform perceived as hostile or volatile can undermine public trust.
There are also practical and reputational considerations. Many councils use social media to share urgent information, from road closures to emergency alerts. If a platform becomes unstable, experiences advertiser flight, policy unpredictability or algorithmic changes that reduce the visibility of official updates, it may no longer serve as a dependable communications tool. Moreover, association with a platform whose leadership is politically outspoken or controversial can expose public institutions to accusations of partisanship. Public services must be, and be seen to be, politically neutral; distancing themselves from platforms embroiled in political controversy can therefore be viewed as a step to protect institutional impartiality.
Finally, leaving X can be framed not as censorship or retreat, but as strategic reallocation. Councils increasingly diversify their communications through websites, email bulletins, community networks and alternative social platforms where moderation policies are clearer and audience engagement may be more constructive. Public bodies are not obligated to provide content to any private company, particularly if that company’s governance decisions conflict with their values or operational needs. In that sense, departure can represent a pragmatic recalibration, prioritising public trust, accessibility and institutional integrity over platform loyalty.’
